About
Beta vulgaris subsp. cicla var. flavescens 'Lucullus' is a biennial vegetable valued for its edible foliage. This heirloom variety features prolific, white stems and vibrant lime-green leaves, reaching heights of approximately 40-50 cm. While it is commonly cultivated as an annual, it has the potential to survive winter in regions where soil moisture levels are moderate.
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, Neutral
- Soil moisture
- Moist but well-drained
- Aspect
- South-facing, West-facing
- Exposure
- Sheltered
- UK hardiness
- H3
Plant details
- Plant type
- Annual Biennial
- Habit
- Columnar upright, Clump forming
- Foliage
- Deciduous
- Height
- 0.1-0.5 metres
- Spread
- 0.1-0.5 metres
- Time to full height
- 1 year
Care notes
- Cultivation
- Grow in an open, sunny site in fertile, neutral to slightly acidic soil; can tolerate some shade in summer. See RHS Grow Your Own Chard Guide
- Pruning
- No pruning required
- Propagation
- Propagate by seed. See sowing vegetable seeds
- Pest resistance
- May be susceptible to birds, that can pull up and eat young seedlings, and to flea beetles
- Disease resistance
- May be susceptible to downy mildews and grey moulds