Beetroot (Improved) Seeds

Description

.

—

### **Beetroot: The Jewelled Root for Garden & Table**

**Unearth the vibrant colours and sweet, earthy flavours of homegrown beetroot!**

A garden favourite for generations, beetroot is as rewarding to grow as it is nutritious to eat. Far superior to anything you’ll find in a supermarket, homegrown beets are tender, sweet, and packed with flavour. Whether you’re a seasoned gardener or just starting your first plot, beetroot is a reliable and beautiful crop that keeps on giving, from its tasty roots to its edible leafy greens!

**Key Features:**

* **Double-Duty Harvest:** Don’t just grow roots, grow a two-in-one crop! The young, tender leaves (beet greens) are a delicious and nutritious addition to salads and stir-fries, similar to Swiss chard.
* **Vibrant & Versatile:** Known for its stunning deep crimson roots and flesh, beetroot is a kitchen superstar. Enjoy it roasted to sweet perfection, pickled for a tangy crunch, grated fresh into salads, or blended into vibrant soups.
* **Fast & Easy to Grow:** Beetroot is remarkably beginner-friendly. It germinates reliably and grows quickly, providing a satisfyingly fast result from seed to plate.
* **Nutrient Powerhouse:** Bursting with vitamins, minerals, and powerful antioxidants, beetroot is a true superfood. It’s famously rich in folate, fibre, and iron, supporting heart health and stamina.

**Planting and Care Guide:**

* **Sowing Time:** Sow directly outdoors from **mid-spring to mid-summer**. For a continuous harvest, make small, successive sowings every 2-3 weeks.
* **Position:** Thrives in **full sun** but will tolerate light partial shade.
* **Soil:** Prefers light, well-draining soil free of large stones. This allows the roots to swell evenly and develop a perfect shape. Adding well-rotted compost beforehand will give them a great start.
* **Sowing Method:** Sow seeds 2cm (1″) deep, in clusters of 2-3 seeds, spaced 10-15cm (4-6″) apart in rows 30cm (12″) apart. Each “seed” is actually a small dried fruit that can contain multiple seeds, so you may get several seedlings close together. Thin these to the strongest one per station.
* **Watering:** Keep the soil consistently moist for the best growth, especially during dry spells, to prevent the roots from becoming tough or woody.
* **Time to Harvest:** You can start harvesting young, golf-ball sized beets for tender eating in as little as **7-8 weeks**. Leave others in the ground to grow larger for storage.

**Uses from Garden to Kitchen:**
The possibilities are endless!
* **Roasted:** A classic method that caramelises their natural sugars.
* **Pickled:** Create your own tangy, crunchy treat.
* **Fresh:** Grate raw beets into salads for a colourful, earthy crunch.
* **Juiced:** Blend into healthy, energising juices and smoothies.
* **The Greens:** Sauté the young leaves with garlic for a tasty side dish.

**Why Grow Beetroot?**

* **Incredibly Easy:** A perfect confidence-builder for new gardeners and a reliable staple for experts.
* **Space Efficient:** Gives a high yield in a small space.
* **Beautiful in the Garden:** The dark red stems and lush green leaves add ornamental value to the vegetable patch.
* **Stores Well:** Can be left in the ground (in milder climates) or stored in a cool, dark place for months of homegrown goodness.

**Summary Table:**

| Feature | Description |
| :— | :— |
| **Type** | Hardy Biennial (grown as an annual) |
| **Height** | 20 – 30 cm (8 – 12 inches) foliage |
| **Root Shape** | Globular to slightly tapered |
| **Root Colour** | Deep Crimson, with vibrant red flesh |
| **Spacing** | Thin to 10-15cm (4-6″) apart |
| **Ideal For** | Beds, Borders, Containers, and Allotments |
| **Time to Harvest**| **50-60 days** for baby beets, 80 days for full size |

**Sow a row of these colourful jewels and discover the true, sweet taste of homegrown beetroot!**