Beetroot Early Wonder (Beta vulgaris) is an open pollinated, old heirloom variety that is sweet tasting and adaptable to most climates. The plants edible taproot is smooth, round, and slightly flattened and are used in salads, soups and juices. Green leaves of the Early Wonder can be chopped up and added to salads.
Roots are highly nutritious; high in fibre, folate, potassium while the leafy greens are high in calcium and iron. Beetroots can improve blood flow, boost immunity, and increase stamina. There is loads of benefits for those who juice beetroots on a regular basis.
Growth
Beta vulgaris or Beetroot Early Wonder is a biennial vegetable that grows to approximately 50 cm’s in height. They prefer nutrient rich, well composted soil. For best growth fertilise well and the soil keep moist.
We always recommend growing your food organically, so when fertilising or trying to keep pests under control, keep in mind that there are always organic options. Your body and family will thank you!
Beetroot grows well with Onions, Lettuce, Radishes, Catnip, Cabbage but should be kept away from beans and tomatoes.
Beetroot can be started in containers / pots but to fully develop will require transplanting into the ground or a raised garden bed. See germination instructions in the tab below for further details.
To harvest beetroot, wait until the root has developed into the size of golf ball for baby beets or two weeks later for mature sized vegetables.
Note: Germination instructions can be found in the ‘Germination Instructions Tab’ below. Upon purchase you will receive these detailed instructions via email so that you have a permanent record.
FAMILY:
Amaranthaceae
CLIMATE:
Cold to Tropical
TEMPERATURE RANGE:
10 to 30°C / 50 to 85°F can withstand light frosts and hot temperatures for short periods.
SOIL TYPE:
Soil should be loose and well-draining.
LOCATION:
Full sun will tolerate some shade.
HEIGHT:
Up to 50 cm’s (20 inches) above ground
WIDTH:
Up to 20 cm’s (4 inches)
pH:
6.0-7.5
GROWTH TYPE:
Biennial
WATER REQUIREMENTS:
Medium
POLLINATION:
Pollinated by Wind, Open Pollination
MATURITY:
Average 60-70 days
GERMINATION RATES:
95%
GERMINATION TIME:
10-14 days at temperatures between 14-22°C / 57-72°F
GERMINATION DIFFICULTY:
Easy
SEEDS PER GRAM:
Approximately 50
MEDICINAL QUALITIES:
Yes
WEED POTENTIAL:
No
EDIBLE:
Yes
SEED STORAGE & VIABILITY:
Cold Storage at 4°C (Fridge) up to 3 years.
FACTS ABOUT BETA VULGARIS (Beetroot Early Wonder)
Beetroot Early Wonder, also called the Tall Top Beetroot was first introduced to the United States in 1811.
All Beta vulgaris plants such as Chard, Beetroot and Silverbeet are descendants of sea beet.
Beetroots are biennial which means they produce seeds after their second full season.