Species beet
Red fruits with roots.

beet

Beta vulgaris (Garden Beet Group) 'Bull's Blood'

The amazing Beet (Beta vulgaris (Garden Beet Group) 'Bull's Blood') is not only eye-catching due to its deep reddish-purple foliage, but rich in nutrition as well. Its leaves are tender and sweet with an earthy flavor and ruby-red veins that run through them. The roots can be eaten raw, roasted, boiled or pickled and provide an excellent source of vitamins A and C, fiber, and minerals. And don't forget all the other health benefits such as reducing cholesterol and helping with digestive issues. When you look for an easy addition to your meals, you can't go wrong with Beet (Beta vulgaris (Garden Beet Group) 'Bull's Blood').

Cycle:

Annual

Watering:

Average

Propagation:

Seed Propagation,Division,Cutting,Layering Propagation

Hardiness Zone:

2 - 11

Flowers:

Flowers

Sun:

Full sun,part shade

Leaf:

Yes

Leaf Color:

red,purple

Growth Rate:

High

Maintenance:

Low

Salt Tolerant:

Yes

Care Level:

Medium

watering

Beet plants require regular watering to keep their soil moist but not saturated. Beets are happiest if watered approximately every 4-5 days when not receiving any rainfall. However, the frequency may need to be adjusted if your soil is particularly sandy and dries out more quickly. Alternatively, if your soil is clay-heavy and retains more moisture, you may water less regularly. The best way to tell if your beets are ready for a drink is to closely monitor the moisture levels of your soil. Stick your finger a few inches beneath the surface to feel for moisture. If it feels dry, it is time to water. Make sure your beets are evenly and thoroughly watered to help boost growth and encourage healthy leaves.

sunlight

Beets (Beta vulgaris (Garden Beet Group) 'Bull's Blood') thrive in direct sunlight, so long as temperatures are locally warm. Six hours of sunlight daily is ideal for most beet varieties. If your region is experiencing unusually hot temperatures, you should reduce the sunlight exposure of your beets to 4-5 hours a day. Additionally, the light should be spread throughout the day. Morning hours are preferable to afternoon hours, as the intensity of the sun can approach scorching levels in the afternoons.

pruning

Beet (Beta vulgaris (Garden Beet Group) 'Bull's Blood') should be pruned approximately 2 times during the growing season. Pruning should start when the plant reaches 4 inches in height and again when the beet leaves are 4 to 6 inches long. Pruning should involve the removal of any weak or damaged leaves as well as any dead or diseased growth. Regular pruning encourages bushier growth and a higher yield. Additionally, removing any flower buds during the early summer will also encourage more root growth. When pruning, make sure to wear gloves and remove any tools that have been used for other pruning activities to avoid the risk of spreading any disease.

Season

Fall
Winter
Spring
Summer
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec
Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Starts Flowering

Beet plants typically begin flowering in June or July.

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.