About
Beta vulgaris subsp. cicla var. flavescens 'Fantasy' is recognized for its superior flavor among red chard varieties, offering a mild, juicy taste without a bitter aftertaste. This cultivar exhibits strong resistance to downy mildew, making it a reliable choice for gardeners. It can be sown in succession during the spring and summer, allowing for a continuous harvest of both tender baby leaves and fully mature foliage.
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
- Clay, Loam, Sand
- Soil pH
- Alkaline, Neutral
- Soil moisture
- Moist but well-drained
- Aspect
- East-facing, North-facing, South-facing, West-facing
- Exposure
- Sheltered
- UK hardiness
- H3
Plant details
- Plant type
- Annual Biennial
- Habit
- Columnar upright
- 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, rich, free draining soil in full sun or partial shade. Sow direct between March and July, 2.5cm deep and 10cm apart or sow indoors in modules and transplant when large enough to handle. See vegetable cultivation
- Pruning
- No pruning required
- Propagation
- Propagate by seed. See sowing vegetable seeds
- Pest resistance
- May be susceptible to birds, slugs and snails
- Disease resistance
- May be susceptible to grey moulds. Shows excellent tolerance to downy mildew