Vegetables that carry the gourmet tag tend to be either difficult to grow or seasonal – and usually both. However, beetroot is one exception. Rather, it throws up a premium culinary experience with only basic growing requirements and can be grown at most times of the year.
Google ‘interesting beetroot facts’ and you will find that beetroot may improve your libido, cure hangovers and regulate garlic breath. We generally eat it after a boozy, French degustation when we’re not in the mood. Because it is suitable to grow in most climates at most times of the year, beetroot is always ready to fill a void in your veggie patch and will do so with little fuss.
While we often prize beetroot for its dense, richly coloured root bulb, it has a versatile offering. Freshly germinated seeds can be harvested as micro greens and the foliage of mature plants are a food source in their own right. This is one vegetable that should certainly be in your gardening bag of tricks.
PLANTING
Sow directly into the patch at a depth of 1cm. It is a good idea to soak the seeds in water overnight prior to planting to help with germination. Once the seeds have germinated you will need to thin out the seedlings to allow adequate space for the rest to grow.
WATERING
In ground: Water daily for the first 4 weeks and 3-4 times a week in the absence of rainfall thereafter. More frequent watering may be required during the warmer times of the year.
In Pots: Water daily while establishing and for the entirety of the warm season, otherwise every second day – after they are 4 weeks old – if growing during the cooler times of the year.
MAINTENANCE
Add compost and blood and bone for phosphorus and sow seeds directly to the patch.
After one month thin out seedlings to a spacing of 10–15cm and mulch using pea straw, lucerne hay or sugar cane a depth of 3–5cm.
Two months after planting you can begin to harvest leaves as salad greens. However, do so in moderation so you don’t disturb the overall growth of the root.
In 12 weeks your roots may be ready to harvest. Make sure you brace plants nearby that will remain in the ground for further growth. Roots keep well in-ground, particularly when the soil temperature is cool, so only harvest as required.
HARVESTING
Time until first harvest: Some leaves can be picked at about 8 weeks. Harvest roots between 10-12 weeks onwards.
How to harvest: Grip at the base of foliage and gently pull from the ground while bracing nearby plants. In compact in-ground beds a garden or hand fork may be necessary to loosen up the soil.
TIP
To maximize your real estate, grow closely together and then harvest every second one early for small beets and/or foliage, which will allow the remaining plants to mature to full size.
