Beta vulgaris

Beta vulgaris — one versatile species giving beetroot, chard, leaf beet and sugar beet, all descended from the wild Mediterranean sea beet. The botanical home of our beetroot and chard.

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Beta vulgaris — beetroot, chard and leaf beet

Beta vulgaris is a single, remarkably versatile species that gives us beetroot, Swiss chard, leaf beet and even sugar beet. In the kitchen garden it covers our beetroot grown for roots and the colourful chard grown for our leafy greens, within the wider root vegetable range.

History & origin

All of these vegetables descend from the wild sea beet, a tough seaside plant of the Mediterranean and Atlantic coasts of Europe. The leafy forms came first: the ancient Greeks and Romans grew beet for its leaves, much as we grow chard today, while the swollen red root we call beetroot was developed later, becoming popular in Europe from around the 16th century. In the 18th and 19th centuries the same species gave rise to sugar beet, now a major source of the world's sugar.

Its name is simply the classical Latin beta for the plant, with vulgaris meaning “common.”

Botanical characteristics

A hardy biennial grown as an annual, the species is endlessly adaptable. Beetroot forms a sweet, earthy swollen root in red, golden, white or candy-striped; chard and leaf beet are grown for their glossy leaves and brightly coloured stems in pink, yellow, orange and white. Quick beetroot is forgiving enough to feature among our fast-growing vegetables, while chard is one of the most reliable cut-and-come-again leaves.

Growing Beta vulgaris from seed

Sow direct into well-prepared soil from spring, thinning the seedlings since each “seed” is actually a cluster. Keep plants evenly watered so the roots stay tender and the leaves keep coming, and sow successionally for a long season. Chard is especially hardy and crops on into autumn and winter. Our vegetable sowing calendar and soil guide cover the basics.

Ready to grow beetroot or chard? Browse the varieties or learn the basics first.

Related categories: Beetroot · Root Vegetables · Leafy Greens · Carrot · All Vegetables

At SeedsChoice, every order ships from Meppel, NL with fast, tracked EU delivery.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Beta vulgaris?
A single species that covers beetroot, Swiss chard, leaf beet and sugar beet.

Where does it originate?
From the wild sea beet of the Mediterranean and Atlantic coasts of Europe.

Which came first, the root or the leaf?
The leaves — the Greeks and Romans grew beet much like chard; the swollen beetroot came later.

Do I need to thin the seedlings?
Usually yes — each beet “seed” is a cluster, so thin them for good roots.

How do I grow it?
Sow direct from spring, thin the seedlings and keep evenly watered.