Overview
Beta vulgaris 'Touchstone Gold' is a bushy, clump forming annual biennial in the genus Beta, part of the Amaranthaceae family, with deciduous foliage. Beta vulgaris 'Touchstone Gold' grows best in full sun and partial shade, and tolerates clay and loam soils and any pH. Its UK hardiness is rated H4. Suggested uses include coastal.
About
Beta vulgaris 'Touchstone Gold' is a bushy, clump-forming annual or biennial cultivar within the Beta genus, known for plants with rosettes of basal foliage and fleshy roots. This deciduous variety thrives in fertile, moist but well-drained clay or loam soils, tolerating a range of pH levels from acid to alkaline. It prefers full sun or partial shade and is suitable for sheltered sites facing any direction. Hardy to UK zone H4, 'Touchstone Gold' is ideal for coastal cultivation and is best appreciated during the summer and autumn seasons.
About the genus
Beta is a genus of flowering plants in the family Amaranthaceae. The best known member is the common beet, Beta vulgaris, but several other species are recognised. Almost all have common names containing the word "beet".
Wikipedia contributors, "Beta (plant)", CC BY-SA 4.0 — Beta (plant)
Growing conditions
Best soil and position for Beta
- Sunlight
- Full sun, Partial shade
- Soil type
- Clay, Loam
- Soil pH
- Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
- Soil moisture
- Moist but well-drained
- Aspect
- East-facing, North-facing, South-facing, West-facing
- Exposure
- Sheltered
- UK hardiness
- H4
Plant details
Beta vulgaris 'Touchstone Gold' size, habit and characteristics
- Plant type
- Annual Biennial
- Habit
- Bushy, Clump forming
- Foliage
- Deciduous
- Suggested uses
- Coastal
Care notes
Pruning and caring for Beta vulgaris 'Touchstone Gold'
- Propagation
- Propagate by seed. See sowing vegetable seeds
- Pest resistance
- May be susceptible to birds, cutworms, lettuce root maggot, root aphid, root knot eelworm and slugs and snails
- Disease resistance
- May be susceptible to grey mould, lettuce downy mildew, mosaic virus and ring spot
Frequently asked questions
Where is the best place to plant Beta vulgaris 'Touchstone Gold'?
Beta vulgaris 'Touchstone Gold' prefers full sun and partial shade. It suits sheltered positions.
What soil does Beta vulgaris 'Touchstone Gold' need?
Beta vulgaris 'Touchstone Gold' grows best in clay and loam soil. It is happy in soil of any pH. Aim for soil that stays moist but well-drained.
Is Beta vulgaris 'Touchstone Gold' hardy in the UK?
Beta vulgaris 'Touchstone Gold' has an RHS hardiness rating of H4, meaning it is hardy through an average UK winter, tolerating -10 to -5°C.
How do I propagate Beta vulgaris 'Touchstone Gold'?
Propagate by seed. See sowing vegetable seeds.