Rainbow Beet Beetroot - Beta vulgaris

In early cultivation: sowing will be done from late February to April, in pits in crates. The seeds are assembled in glomerules so that several plants will emerge. Transplanting is usually done at the time of the first sowings in place, that is, in April. When the seedlings reach 10 cm (4in) and/or five leaves, they will be positioned in open ground, spacing them 20 to 25 cm (8 to 10in) apart and selecting the most vigorous ones. This method allows for harvesting from May to July.

In seasonal cultivation: sow from mid-April to July directly in open ground. Beets like cool and loose soils. Start by loosening the soil with a rake. Add some ash if necessary, as beets require a lot of potash. Then add well-rotted manure or compost in the furrows. Once the seedlings reach 10 cm (4in) and/or five leaves, thin them out by spacing them 20 to 25 cm (8 to 10in) apart. If you opt for multiple rows of beets, space them 20 to 25 cm (8 to 10in) apart, selecting the most vigorous ones. Harvesting will take place from July to October.

Cultivation: water regularly in hot and dry weather to prevent the root from lignifying (hardening). Beets do not associate well with leeks. However, they can be successfully planted with lettuce, onions, or radishes. Beets are hardy and very resistant to diseases.

Harvest: in spring, when thinning out the plants, keep the young leaves to consume them in mixed salads. Otherwise, with a planting in April, you will obtain your first beets as early as July. Harvesting will continue until October for sowings in July.