About

Beta vulgaris 'Action' is an exceptional variety of baby beet that yields consistent, round roots with a deep red hue. When picked at a young stage, these beets offer a notably sweet taste, but they can also be allowed to grow to maturity. This variety is well-suited for small gardens and container cultivation on patios. Harvest time spans from June to October.

About the genus

Beta comprises annual, biennial, or perennial plants characterized by rosettes of basal foliage and robust, fleshy roots. This genus encompasses various wild species alongside cultivated varieties like beetroot, chard, and sugar beet.

Growing conditions

Sunlight
Full sun
Soil type
Loam, Sand
Soil pH
Neutral, Alkaline
Soil moisture
Moist but well-drained, Well-drained
Aspect
South-facing, West-facing
Exposure
Sheltered
UK hardiness
H3

Plant details

Plant type
Annual Biennial
Habit
Clump forming
Foliage
Deciduous
Height
0.1-0.5 metres
Spread
0.1-0.5 metres
Time to full height
1 year
Suggested uses
Patio and container plants

Care notes

Cultivation
Grow in fertile, well drained soil in full sun. Sow direct between March and July into drills 1.5cm deep and lighly rake over with soil. Thin out seedlings to 10cm spacings. Sow at fortnightly intervals for a successional harvest. See vegetable cultivation
Pruning
No pruning required
Propagation
Propagate by seed. See sowing vegetable seeds
Pest resistance
May be susceptible to aphids, flea beetles, Mangold fly (beet leaf miner)
Disease resistance
May be susceptible to beetroot heart rot, black leg, leaf spot