About

Beta vulgaris subsp. cicla var. flavescens 'Canary Yellow' is a biennial grown primarily for its appealing, glossy green leaves that are accented by vibrant yellow stems and mid-ribs. This variety exhibits good resistance to bolting, making it a suitable substitute for spinach in culinary applications.

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, Partial shade
Soil type
Chalk, Clay, Loam, Sand
Soil pH
Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil moisture
Moist but well-drained, Well-drained
Aspect
South-facing, West-facing, East-facing
Exposure
Sheltered
UK hardiness
H3

Plant details

Plant type
Annual Biennial
Habit
Bushy
Foliage
Semi evergreen
Height
0.1-0.5 metres
Spread
0.1-0.5 metres
Time to full height
1 year
Suggested uses
Cottage and informal garden

Care notes

Cultivation
Best grown in a fertile, free-draining soil in full sun. Sow at fortnightly intervals from March to July for a successional harvest. See Chard section in Vegetable cultivation for detailed growing advice
Pruning
No pruning required
Propagation
Propagate by seed. See sowing vegetable seeds
Pest resistance
May be susceptible to aphids, flea beetles and leaf miners, birds may damage crops if not netted
Disease resistance
May be susceptible to downy mildew and grey mould (Botrytis)