Beets
Beta vulgaris
History
Beets were first cultivated in the medditeranean by both the greeks and egyptian over 4,000 years ago. Origianally used for its leaves they were used as a laxative and to treat a fever and Hippocrates using the leaves to bind wounds. It wasn't until the Romans had begun to cultivate it that it had become known for the bulbous root we know know. In the 17th century it was noted by a French scientist that the red syrup had a smell similar to that of sugar cane. Due to the fact that sugar cane was already highly popular for its sugar content it want until the 1800s when a Baron Moritz von Koppy was able to increase the sugar content to 6% in white sugar beetd that it became a sugar producer.
In modern time beets are now responsible for producing roughly 30% of all sugar used around the World. Europe is still the largest producer of sugar beets with Russia producing almost 20% of the sugar beets around the world.
Growing conditions
Sunlight
Needs atleast 6 hours of direct sunlight.
Temperature Range
50f-75F.
Soil Conditions
Sandy Loam.
Water
1 to 2 inches of water per week.
Water deeply around the roots avoiding the leaves.
Nutrients
5-10-10.
Potassium and phosphorus aid in root growth.
pH
6.0-7.0
Plant care
Sowing Seeds
Plant seed 1/2" deep.
Space seeds 3 to 4 inches apart and cover with straw to help retain moisture.
Germination
Seeds can take 1 to 2 weeks to germinate
Germination can take 1 too 3 weeks depending on the soil and temperature. Once the seeds have sprouted thin out and over crowded plants.
Pruning
Not required only remove diseased leaves.
Harvest
Beets can take about 80 days to harvest. Watering the day prior to a havest can help loosen soil and a pitchfork can gently pull the out bulbs.
Growing Tips
If the roots start to poke out about the surface of the soil cover them up with a similar compost to prevent to root from turning green. Leaving plants cover with straw can help with sun exposure.
Available through local listings
Local markets
- Beets
