Scientific Name:
Beta vulgaris
(Conditiva Group)
Pronunciation:
BET-ah vul-GAIR-iss
Common Name:
garden beet
Family Name:
Amaranthaceae
Plant Type:
Annual (grown as), 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