About
Beta vulgaris 'Alto' is a beetroot cultivar known for its sweet, elongated red roots that emerge above the soil. The leaf stalks showcase a vibrant ruby red hue, accompanied by leaves that feature distinct pink veins. This variety is straightforward to cultivate and can be easily prepared for culinary use.
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
- Clay, Loam, Sand
- Soil pH
- Neutral, Acid
- Soil moisture
- Moist but well-drained
- Aspect
- East-facing, North-facing, South-facing, West-facing
- Exposure
- Exposed, Sheltered
- UK hardiness
- H3
Plant details
- Plant type
- Annual Biennial
- Habit
- Tufted
- Foliage
- Deciduous
- Height
- 0.1-0.5 metres
- Spread
- 0.1-0.5 metres
- Time to full height
- 1 year
- Suggested uses
- Cottage and informal garden, Patio and container plants
Care notes
- Cultivation
- Keep the plants well watered as this will make them less likely to bolt. Harvest as soon as they are big enough to use. See Beetroot cultivation for further information
- Pruning
- No pruning required
- Propagation
- Propagate by seed. See sowing vegetable seeds
- Pest resistance
- Generally pest-free
- Disease resistance
- Generally disease-free