Scientific Name:
Beta vulgaris
(Conditiva Group)
Pronunciation:
BET-ah vul-GAIR-iss
Common Name:
garden beet
Family Name:
Amaranthaceae
Plant Type:
Annual, Biennial
Key ID Features:
Swollen taproot that is commonly red; leaves basal with long petioles in the first year, most blades ovate, 6-10cm long x 4-7cm wide, margins wavy, in second year leaves alternate on the flowering stem.
Habit:
Arching
Form:
Vase
Texture:
Very coarse
Mature Height:
0.2 - 0.4m
Mature Spread:
0.1 - 0.3m
Growth Rate:
Fast
Origin:
Europe (Mediterranean)
Hardiness Rating:
Zone 5: (-29 to -23 °C)
Exposure:
Full sun
Soil/Growing Medium:
Humus rich, Well-drained
Landscape Uses:
Urban agriculture
Additional Info:
Leaf Morphology:
Form:
Simple
Arrangement:
Alternate, Basal
Texture/Venation:
Soft flexible
Surfaces:
Glabrous
Colour in Summer:
Green, Dark-red
Shapes:
Ovate
Apices:
Rounded
Bases:
Attenuate
Margins:
Serrate
Inflorescence Type:
Cyme, Spike-like
Flower Morphology:
Flowers perfect
Number Of Petals:
5
Corolla Shape:
Campanulate
Ovary Position:
Superior
Colour (petals):
Not showy, Green
Flower Time at Peak:
Sep
Fruit Type:
Multiple fruit
Fruit Colour:
Brown
Fruiting Time:
Oct
Additional Info:
Not showy
Bark or Stem Colour:
Organ Modifications:
Storage tap root
Propagation:
Seed
Pest Susceptibility:
Fungal leaf spot, Leaf miner insect, Nematodes, Root rot
