Beet (Beta vulgaris, Sp. Pl.: 222 (1753))

Family: Amaranthaceae

Author: L.

Bibliography: Sp. Pl.: 222 (1753)

Year: 1753

Status: accepted

Rank: species

Genus: Beta

Vegetable: False

Observations: Azores, W. Europe to Medit. and India

Description

The Beet, scientifically known as Beta vulgaris, is a versatile and nutritious plant that has been cherished for its culinary and medicinal properties since ancient times. This fascinating plant was first described in the seminal botanical work Species Plantarum in 1753 by the renowned taxonomist Carl Linnaeus, often abbreviated as “L.” The beet belongs to the Amaranthaceae family, a wide-ranging family of flowering plants known for their hardiness and adaptability.

Native to the regions stretching from the Azores and Western Europe to the Mediterranean and India, the beet has a broad ecological range, showcasing its ability to thrive in diverse climates. This adaptability has undoubtedly contributed to its global spread and the variety of forms in which it is now cultivated.

Beets are perhaps most recognizable for their deep red, bulbous roots, which are rich in essential nutrients such as dietary fiber, folate, and vitamin C. However, the plant’s value extends beyond its roots. Beet greens, the leafy tops of the plant, are also edible and packed with nutrients, including vitamins A and K, making the entire plant a powerhouse of nutrition.

Historically, beets have been utilized for both their culinary versatility and their medicinal qualities. The roots can be consumed raw, pickled, roasted, or juiced, while the greens can be steamed or used in salads. In traditional medicine, beets have been used to treat a variety of ailments, including digestive and circulatory issues, due to their high content of antioxidants and nitrates.

Cultivation of beets is relatively straightforward, favoring well-drained, loamy soils and requiring a moderate amount of sunlight. The plant is biennial, meaning its life cycle spans two years, but it is often grown as an annual in agricultural practice. Beets are typically sown in early spring and harvested in late summer to early fall, depending on the growing conditions and desired size of the roots.

In conclusion, the beet (Beta vulgaris) is a remarkable plant with a rich history and myriad uses. From its nutritional value to its adaptability and ease of cultivation, it is no wonder that this plant has spread from its native ranges to gardens and kitchens around the world. Whether you enjoy it for its earthy flavor or its health benefits, the beet is a testament to the incredible diversity and utility of the plant kingdom.

Common Names

Dan: bede
Eng: beet, common beet
Fra: bette commune, bette-épinard, betterave, betterave commune
Deu: runkelrübe, rübe, wilde runkelrübe
Por: acelga, beterraba, beterraba-forrageira, beterraba-hortícula, beterraba-sacarina
Swe: beta, juurikas
Nno: bete
Nob: bete
Fin: juurikas
Nld: strandbiet, biet + strandbiet, strandbiet en biet, biet
Sme: sohkarnáppoš
Cym: betys, betysen
Tur: pancar
En: Beet, Common beet, Beetroot, “common beet, Sugar beet, Swiss chard”, Swiss chard, White beet, Kuchundúrya, चुकंदर, Root Beet, Spinach Beet, Beet root, Red Beet, Cultivated beet, Sea beet
Sq: Panxhari
Am: ቀይ ስር
Ar: سلق (سَلق), سلق (سَلْق), ضرس الكلب (ضِرس الكَلب), فجل بو الليل (فِجل بو الليل), شمندر
Hy: Բազուկ
Az: Çuğundur
Ba: Сөгөлдөр
Eu: Beterraba
Be: Буракі звычайныя
Bs: Cikla
Bg: Червено цвекло
My: မုန်လာဥနီ
Ca: Bleda-rave, Bleda vera
Zh: 根菾菜, 甜菜
Cv: Чĕкĕнтĕр
Hr: Cikla
Cs: Řepa obecná, Řepa
Da: Bede, Almindelig Bede
Dv: ރަންގުމޫ
Nl: Strandbiet, Biet, Strandbiet en Biet, Biet + Strandbiet
Eo: Beto
Et: Harilik peet
Fi: Juurikas, Ruokajuurikas
Fr: Betterave, Bette commune, Bette-épinard, Betterave commune, Bette vulgaire, Betterave fourragère, Betterave rouge potagère, Betterave sucrière
Gl: Remolacha
Ka: Ჭარხალი
De: Gemeine Rübe, Rübe, Zuckerrübe, Beta-Rübe, Runkelrübe, Wilde Runkelrübe, Mangold
El: Παντζάρι
Gn: Remolácha
Ht: Bètrav
He: סלק, סלק מצוי
Hi: चुकंदर
Hu: Cékla
Is: Beðju, Beðja
Id: Bit gula
It: Barba, Barbabietola, Bietola comune, Bieta a foglia, Bietola da taglio
Kk: As qızılşası, Ас қызылшасы, اس قىزىلشاسى
Ko: 비트
Ku: Silk
Lv: Parastā biete
Lt: Runkelis
Lb: Rommel
Ml: ബീറ്റ് റൂട്ട്
Ne: चुकन्दर
Se: Sohkarnáppoš
No: Bete, Rødbete
Nb: Bete
Nn: Bete
Os: Цæхæра
Fa: چغندر (گیاه)
Pl: Burak, Burak zwyczajny
Pt: Acelga, Acelga-brava, Beterraba-sacarina, Beterraba, Beterraba-forrageira, Beterraba-hortícula
Qu: Rimulacha
Ro: Sfeclă roșie
Ru: Свёкла обыкновенная
Gd: Biotais
Sk: Repa obyčajná
So: Koosto
Es: Navadna pesa, Betarraga, Acelga
Sv: Beta, Juurikas
Zh-tw: 根菾菜
Tg: Лаблабу
Tr: Pancar
Uk: Буряк столовий
Vi: Củ cải ngọt
Wa: Betråle
Cy: Betys, Betysen

Synonyms

Distribution

• Albania (native)
• Algeria (native)
• Azores (native)
• Baleares (native)
• Belgium (native)
• Bulgaria (native)
• Canary Is. (native)
• Corse (native)
• Cyprus (native)
• East Aegean Is. (native)
• Egypt (native)
• France (native)
• Germany (native)
• Great Britain (native)
• Greece (native)
• Gulf States (native)
• India (native)
• Iran (native)
• Iraq (native)
• Ireland (native)
• Italy (native)
• Kriti (native)
• Krym (native)
• Kuwait (native)
• Lebanon-Syria (native)
• Libya (native)
• Morocco (native)
• Netherlands (native)
• North Caucasus (native)
• Oman (native)
• Pakistan (native)
• Palestine (native)
• Portugal (native)
• Sardegna (native)
• Saudi Arabia (native)
• Sicilia (native)
• Sinai (native)
• Spain (native)
• Transcaucasus (native)
• Tunisia (native)
• Turkey (native)
• Turkey-in-Europe (native)
• Yemen (native)
• Yugoslavia (native)
• Alabama (introduced)
• Altay (introduced)
• Argentina Northeast (introduced)
• Argentina Northwest (introduced)
• Argentina South (introduced)
• Assam (introduced)
• Baltic States (introduced)
• Bangladesh (introduced)
• California (introduced)
• Cameroon (introduced)
• Cape Provinces (introduced)
• Cayman Is. (introduced)
• Central European Rus (introduced)
• Chile Central (introduced)
• Chile North (introduced)
• China North-Central (introduced)
• Connecticut (introduced)
• Costa Rica (introduced)
• Cuba (introduced)
• Czechoslovakia (introduced)
• Denmark (introduced)
• Dominican Republic (introduced)
• East European Russia (introduced)
• Ecuador (introduced)
• Eritrea (introduced)
• Ethiopia (introduced)
• Finland (introduced)
• Honduras (introduced)
• Inner Mongolia (introduced)
• Japan (introduced)
• Juan Fernández Is. (introduced)
• Korea (introduced)
• Madeira (introduced)
• Maine (introduced)
• Marianas (introduced)
• Maryland (introduced)
• Masachusettes (introduced)
• Mexico Northwest (introduced)
• Nepal (introduced)
• New Hampshire (introduced)
• New Jersey (introduced)
• New South Wales (introduced)
• New York (introduced)
• New Zealand North (introduced)
• New Zealand South (introduced)
• North Carolina (introduced)
• North European Russi (introduced)
• Northwest European R (introduced)
• Norway (introduced)
• Pennsylvania (introduced)
• Poland (introduced)
• Puerto Rico (introduced)
• Rhode I. (introduced)
• South Australia (introduced)
• South Carolina (introduced)
• South European Russi (introduced)
• Sri Lanka (introduced)
• Sudan (introduced)
• Sweden (introduced)
• Tadzhikistan (introduced)
• Tasmania (introduced)
• Ukraine (introduced)
• Uruguay (introduced)
• Vermont (introduced)
• Victoria (introduced)
• Vietnam (introduced)
• Virginia (introduced)
• West Virginia (introduced)
• Western Sahara (introduced)

Additional Images

Leaf

Taken Dec 11, 2018 by Annemarie Ahrens-Stehle (cc-by-sa)

Taken Dec 21, 2018 by Pep Secem (cc-by-sa)

Taken Dec 21, 2018 by Pep Secem (cc-by-sa)

Taken Dec 26, 2021 by Fabrice Rubio (cc-by-sa)

Taken Dec 26, 2021 by Fabrice Rubio (cc-by-sa)

Habit

Taken Mar 15, 2022 by Monteiro Henrique (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jan 11, 2022 by Monteiro Henrique (cc-by-sa)

Taken Dec 26, 2021 by Fabrice Rubio (cc-by-sa)

Taken Dec 26, 2021 by Fabrice Rubio (cc-by-sa)

Taken Dec 26, 2021 by Fabrice Rubio (cc-by-sa)

Other

Taken Apr 9, 2022 by Fabrice Rubio (cc-by-sa)

Taken Feb 3, 2022 by Fabrice Rubio (cc-by-sa)

Taken Dec 1, 2020 by Fero Looxi (cc-by-sa)

Taken Apr 9, 2022 by Fabrice Rubio (cc-by-sa)

Taken Oct 26, 2022 by Annemarie Ahrens-Stehle (cc-by-sa)

Bark

Taken Mar 15, 2022 by Monteiro Henrique (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jan 7, 2021 by Monteiro Henrique (cc-by-sa)

Taken Nov 2, 2021 by Sabin Poenariu (cc-by-sa)

Taken Oct 29, 2020 by Sandie (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jan 25, 2022 by Monteiro Henrique (cc-by-sa)

Fruit

Taken Jul 25, 2020 by Marc Drouhin (cc-by-sa)

Taken Sep 17, 2022 by Stephane Hidalgo (cc-by-sa)

Taken Nov 29, 2020 by Carrau Laura (cc-by-sa)

Taken Oct 1, 2022 by guy maloteau (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jan 12, 2022 by David Ochoa (cc-by-sa)

Flower

Taken Jun 21, 2022 by Else Nolden (cc-by-sa)

Taken May 16, 2019 by Jeff B (cc-by-sa)

Taken Feb 15, 2022 by Felfoul Boualem (cc-by-sa)

Taken Sep 26, 2021 by Pierre LEON (cc-by-sa)

Taken May 27, 2022 by Kai Best (cc-by-sa)

© copyright of the Board of Trustees of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.

© copyright of the Board of Trustees of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.

© copyright of the Board of Trustees of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.

Sources

• WFO (No URL)
• IPNI (No URL)
• POWO (http://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:164505-1)
• GBIF (https://www.gbif.org/species/8971274)
• PlantNet (https://identify.plantnet.org/species/the-plant-list/Beta vulgaris L.)

Specifications

Growth form: Erect

Growth habit: Forb/herb

Growth

Description: “”

Sowing: Direct seed indoors or outdoors. Transplant seedlings after hardening off.

Days to harvest: 80

Row spacing: {‘cm’: 30}

Spread: {‘cm’: 20}

Ph maximum: 8.0

Ph minimum: 7.5

Light: 7

Atmospheric humidity: 4

Soil nutriments: 8