Beet plants typically begin flowering in June or July.
beet
Beta vulgaris
Beet (Beta vulgaris) is an amazing plant species for numerous reasons. It is both highly nutritious and incredibly versatile. It contains a variety of vitamins and minerals, making it a good dietary addition. It can be cooked, pickled, and juiced, making it a delicious go-to ingredient. Additionally, its deep purple and reddish hues make beet an eye-catching and appealing food option. Beet is also praised for its role in supporting eye, brain, and cardiovascular health. Finally, it is a key ingredient in a variety of cuisines around the world, demonstrating its widespread appeal. All of these factors come together to make beet an amazing and unique plant species.
Cycle:
Annual
Watering:
Average
Propagation:
Seed Propagation,Cutting,Division,Layering Propagation
Hardiness Zone:
2 - 11
Flowers:
Not grown for flowers Flowers
Sun:
Full sun,part shade
Leaf:
Yes
Leaf Color:
green,red,purple
Growth Rate:
Low
Maintenance:
Low
Drought Tolerant:
Yes
Salt Tolerant:
Yes
Care Level:
Medium
watering
Beets (Beta vulgaris) should be watered regularly to keep the soil moist but not overly saturated. The amount of water and frequency of watering will depend on several factors such as the season, soil type, climate, and how quickly the soil becomes dry. In general, it is best to check the soil’s moisture level before watering and water only when the top inch of soil is dry. In hot weather, it may be necessary to water beets every few days. In cooler weather, they may need watering only once a week. The amount of water to use should also depend on the soil type. Sandy soils generally require less water than clay soils, which hold moisture better. During summer, it may be necessary to water beets more frequently, using 1-2 inches of water per week.
sunlight
Beet plants (Beta vulgaris) need a minimum of 6 hours of direct sunlight per day in order to thrive. Full sun locations that receive at least 6 to 8 hours of direct sunlight on a daily basis are ideal for growing this plant species. The most favorable periods for receiving this amount of sunlight are between 11am and 4pm during summer months. Avoiding extreme heat during the middle of the day is best. For the winter months, it's recommended that the plant receive at least 5 hours of direct sunlight in a day. Temperatures that drop below 50°F can cause stunting of beet root growth, so be sure to bring beet plants indoors or give them frost-protection if necessary.
pruning
Beets should be pruned regularly during their growing season. Pruning should occur after the first harvesting, usually about 3 months after germination. During continuous harvesting, begin removing the outer leaves of the plant when they reach an inch or 2 in length, removing no more than half of the outer leaves. When harvesting beets for storage, prune the plant only after it has reached maturity, trimming off all leaves including the healthiest looking ones. This will help protect the beets from disease and promote healthy root development.
Season
Fall
Winter
Spring
Summer
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec
Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Starts Flowering
Hardiness Map
FAQ
Are there any health benefits to consuming beetroots?
Yes, there are several health benefits to consuming beetroots. Beetroots are a great source of fiber, folate, manganese, potassium, iron, and vitamin C. Eating beetroots may help reduce inflammation, lower blood pressure, and improve blood flow. Beetroots are also high in nitrates, which can improve muscle performance and help with mental focus. Additionally, they may help protect against chronic diseases, such as heart disease and cancer, due to their antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties.
Do beetroots provide a source of antioxidants?
Yes, beetroots are an excellent source of antioxidants. Antioxidants are naturally occurring compounds that help neutralize harmful free radicals and protect our cells from damage. Beetroots contain various plant compounds, such as beta-carotene, lutein, zeaxanthin, and various flavonoids such as quercetin, kaempferol, and more, which act as potent antioxidants in the body. Beetroots provide a rich source of antioxidants, which have been shown to reduce oxidative stress and the risk of cancer, heart disease, and other inflammatory diseases.
Are beetroots considered a low-calorie vegetable?
Yes, beetroots are considered a low-calorie vegetable. They contain just 44 calories per one cup of chopped beetroot, making them a great addition to any diet. Beetroots are also full of nutrients including antioxidants, vitamin C and folate. They are also a great source of fiber, which means that they can help you to feel full for longer, and can help you to achieve a stable blood sugar level. Beetroots make a delicious addition to any meal or snack, and their low-calorie count makes them diet-friendly.
Can beetroots help in lowering blood pressure?
Yes, beetroots can help in lowering blood pressure. Research has shown that beetroot juice and dietary nitrate in beetroot can lower blood pressure, boost physical performance, and enhance exercise tolerance. Nitrates in beets relax and dilate blood vessels, improving blood flow and lowering blood pressure. Beetroot juice can reduce systolic blood pressure by an average of 4-5 mm Hg, and some studies have shown that nitrate-rich beetroot juice can also lower diastolic pressure.
Is drinking beetroot juice suitable for digestion?
Yes, drinking beetroot juice is suitable for digestion. Beetroot is a low-calorie, high-fiber vegetable that can help promote digestion, reduce inflammation, and support a healthy digestive system. Beetroot juice is filled with many nutrient-rich benefits. It is known to be rich in Vitamin C, folate, manganese, potassium, and iron, which can all help strengthen digestion. Beetroot juice also contains nitrates, which are known to reduce stomach irritation and help food pass through the digestive tract more efficiently. Therefore, drinking beetroot juice can be beneficial when it comes to promoting regularity and optimal digestion.
Should beets be consumed raw or cooked?
It really depends on personal preference, however both raw and cooked beets offer different nutritional benefits. Raw beets contain more dietary fiber as well as vitamins A and C, compared to cooked beets. On the other hand, cooked beets contain more minerals including potassium, magnesium, and calcium due to the breakdown of cell walls during the cooking process. Either way, consuming beets is generally very healthy.
Is beetroot known to have effects on liver health?
Yes, beetroot is known to have effects on liver health. Beetroot is a rich source of phytonutrients, antioxidants, minerals, and vitamins; these can help reduce inflammation in the liver and protect it from oxidative damage. Beetroot has also been studied for its potential to improve hepatic (liver) function, reduce fat accumulation in the liver, reduce liver damage, and reduce the production of pro-inflammatory factors. Moreover, certain components of beetroot, such as betanin, have been found to reduce inflammation, boost antioxidant capacity, and prevent liver toxicity in animal models.
Is mulch recommended around beet plants?
Yes, mulch is highly recommended around beet plants. Mulch helps to maintain consistent soil temperature and moisture levels in the ground, preventing extreme temperatures from harming the plant roots. It also helps to suppress weed growth and can provide a nutrient boost to the soil as it decomposes. If you do mulch around beet plants, be sure to select something organic like grass clippings, pine straw, cocoa shells, or compost. These organic options provide more beneficial nutrients for your plant and will break down over time.
