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Beet

Beta vulgaris · Amaranthaceae

The gardener's calendar

The right move for September

Ideal time to plant beet: set it out when the soil is neither frozen nor waterlogged, and water generously as it establishes.

JFMAMJJASOND Planting

ID card

Family
Amaranthaceae
Type
Annual or biennial herbaceous plant
Adult size
30 to 60 cm in height
Foliage
Deciduous, green to reddish depending on the variety
Flowering
Second year (June to September)
Hardiness
Frost-sensitive, grown as an annual
Origin
Mediterranean basin
Soil
Well-drained, rich in organic matter

Care

Watering

Keep the soil consistently moist, without excess water that could cause rot. Water deeply one to two times per week depending on conditions. Reduce watering during heavy rain to prevent root suffocation.

Light Exposure

Choose a location in full sun (minimum 6 hours per day) for optimal growth. Light afternoon shade can be tolerated in very hot regions. Insufficient light slows root development.

Soil

Prefer rich, well-structured and well-drained soil. Work the soil deeply (25 to 30 cm) before planting to encourage root development. Enrich with compost or well-decomposed manure before planting.

Fertilizer

Apply a balanced fertilizer (NPK) about 3 to 4 weeks after sowing. Moderate application is sufficient; excess nitrogen can promote foliage at the expense of the root. A second application mid-season can be beneficial.

Pruning and Thinning

Thin out young plants when they have 2 to 3 true leaves, keeping a spacing of 10 to 15 cm. Remove yellowed or diseased leaves regularly. No strict pruning is necessary.

Diseases and Pests

Watch for aphids and onion flies. Fungal diseases (rust, cercospora leaf spot) can affect foliage in humid conditions. Practice crop rotation and avoid stagnant moisture on the foliage.

Did you know?

Beetroot was already cultivated by the Romans over 2,000 years ago, but it was only in the 18th century that German chemist Andreas Marggraf discovered the presence of crystallizable sugar in it, revolutionizing the sugar industry. Today, sugar beets provide approximately 20% of the sugar consumed worldwide.

Where to buy it

Plant in spring or early autumn, avoiding spells of intense heat. Pick a plant with healthy foliage and roots that are not exposed. Best time: March, April, May, September.

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Tips generated and checked by Viridia — adapt them to your local climate.