Beetroot Beta vulgaris subsp. vulgaris
Beetroot (Beta vulgaris subsp. vulgaris) is a biennial vegetable in the Amaranthaceae family. It grows 25–40 cm (10–16 in) tall and 15–25 cm (6–10 in) wide, wants full sun and moderate water, and is hardy to about -3 °C (27 °F). Space plants about 10 cm (4 in) apart.
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Beetroot at a glance
| Type | Biennial vegetable |
|---|---|
| Family | Amaranthaceae |
| Mature height | 25–40 cm (10–16 in) |
| Mature spread | 15–25 cm (6–10 in) |
| Spacing | 10 cm (4 in) centre to centre |
| Sun | Full sun, at least 5 h of direct sun a day |
| Water | Moderate; drought tolerance low, waterlogging tolerance none |
| Cold hardiness | About -3 °C (27 °F) once established (roughly USDA zone 9) |
| Heat stress | Likely above about 28 °C (82 °F) |
| Days to maturity | About 70 days from planting |
| Wind tolerance | Low |
| Pollinator value | None |
| Edible | Yes: roots, leaves |
| Common in gardens of | 🇬🇧 United Kingdom, 🇷🇺 Russia, 🇩🇪 Germany, 🇳🇴 Norway, 🇺🇸 United States, 🇦🇺 Australia, 🇿🇦 South Africa, 🇵🇱 Poland |
Is Beetroot toxic?
- People: not known to be toxic
- Cats: not known to be toxic
- Dogs: not known to be toxic
Beetroot is non-toxic to people and pets, though high in oxalates.
If a child or pet may have eaten part of a plant, call a poison centre or vet straight away.
Companion planting: what to grow with Beetroot
No well-documented helpful pairing. Group it with plants that like full sun and moderate water.
Questions about Beetroot
- How far apart should I plant Beetroot?
- About 10 cm (4 in) apart, centre to centre. A mature plant spreads 15–25 cm (6–10 in).
- Does Beetroot need full sun?
- Full sun: at least 5 hours of direct sun a day.
- How much water does Beetroot need?
- Moderate water. Drought tolerance is low and waterlogging tolerance none.
- How cold-hardy is Beetroot?
- It tolerates about -3 °C (27 °F) once established, roughly USDA zone 9. As a biennial it is usually planted out after the last frost and flowers in its second year.
- Is Beetroot poisonous to cats and dogs?
- For cats it is not known to be toxic; for dogs not known to be toxic; for people not known to be toxic. Beetroot is non-toxic to people and pets, though high in oxalates.
- What grows well with Beetroot?
- There is no well-documented companion pairing for Beetroot. Group it with plants that like the same sun (full sun) and water (moderate).
Sources and evidence
Evidence grade C (C: plausible, mixed evidence).
- ASPCA Toxic and Non-Toxic Plant List, ASPCA
- FAO Irrigation and Drainage Paper 56 — Crop Evapotranspiration, FAO
- RHS Plant Finder, Royal Horticultural Society
- University extension gardening guides (general), Various land-grant university extensions
Notes and assumptions
- Typical garden-cultivar values; varieties differ.
- Grown as an annual crop; flowers only in second year.
Reference values for planning, not horticultural, veterinary or medical advice. Varieties, soils and local climates differ: check with a local nursery or extension service.
Related plants
- Spinach Spinacia oleracea
- Swiss chard Beta vulgaris subsp. vulgaris (Cicla)
- Amaranth (leaf, callaloo) Amaranthus tricolor
- Quinoa Chenopodium quinoa
- Love-lies-bleeding (kiwicha) Amaranthus caudatus
- Epazote Dysphania ambrosioides
- Celosia (cockscomb) Celosia argentea
- Globe amaranth Gomphrena globosa