Beetroot is one of several cultivated varieties of Beta vulgaris grown for their taproots and leaves (beet greens).
Although beetroot is a cool-season crop, it’s fairly tolerant of high temperatures, provided soil moisture is adequate. The plant can withstand moderate frost, but growth will be affected. Bolting to seed in spring can be induced by exposing the crop to long periods of low temperatures during winter.
The optimal temperature for growth and development is between 15°C and 18°C, with a mean minimum of 5°C and mean maximum of 24°C.
• Soil requirements Beetroot can be grown in a wide range of soil, but best results are obtained in a well-drained sandy to loamy soil, with a pH of 6 to 8.
Avoid hard, compacted soil, as this impedes seedling emergence and symmetrical root development. Beetroot is susceptible to boron deficiency.
• Cultivars Beetroot cultivars include Crimson Globe, Detroit Dark Red, Red Ace and Star 1102. The growing period is between 75 and 90 days in summer, and 105 days and 120 days (or longer) in winter.
• Planting Before planting, prepare the soil thoroughly by ploughing, harrowing and levelling it. Sow the seed directly in this. A level soil bed with a good tilth will produce a good stand and yield.
Sowing times: • Cold areas (heavy frost): August to March; • Warm areas (light frost): all year; • Hot areas (frost-free): February to September.
Esta historia es de la edición April 19, 2019 de Farmer's Weekly.
Comience su prueba gratuita de Magzter GOLD de 7 días para acceder a miles de historias premium seleccionadas y a más de 8500 revistas y periódicos.
Ya eres suscriptor ? Conectar
Esta historia es de la edición April 19, 2019 de Farmer's Weekly.
Comience su prueba gratuita de Magzter GOLD de 7 días para acceder a miles de historias premium seleccionadas y a más de 8500 revistas y periódicos.
Ya eres suscriptor? Conectar
Meet some of the heroes behind avitourism destinations
Exploring what the Garden Route offers birdwatchers, Brian Berkman discovers some special people who run hospitable places to meet and see a variety of species.
What the Citrus Academy offers aspiring producers
Cobus du Plessis takes a look at the Citrus Growers' Association of Southern Africa's Citrus Academy and how it is helping to develop aspiring farmers in the sector.
Seeder kick-starts vegetation in challenging environments.
Dr George Craven of Noorspoort, Steytlerville, in the south-eastern Karoo, is successfully using a home-built 'bedstead seeder' to re-establish veld plants in an arid area, writes Roelof Bezuidenhout.
Sowing seeds for the future: unravelling estate planning challenges for farmers
PJ Veldhuizen, managing director of specialist commercial law firm Gillan & Veldhuizen Inc, emphasises the critical role of legal expertise in unravelling the ins and outs of estate planning.
Visiting olive oil producers in Spain
A group of agricultural journalists representing 15 member countries of the International Federation of Agricultural Journalists recently visited the south of Spain to explore the agricultural operations and opportunities unique to that region. Magda du Toit reports.
SA genetics ready to take on the world
The South African Braunvieh has all it takes to become a serious contender in the international red meat production arena, says Gawie Naudé, owner of the award-winning Eduan Braunvieh Stud near Rhodes in the Eastern Cape. Annelie Coleman reports.
Local company serves farmers and communities
Magda du Toit writes about how a company in Limpopo is training and empowering agricultural workers.
Except for pork, meat prices traded lower this past month
While the local livestock industry continues to battle many challenges, an uptick in beef exports as well as the poultry industry's strides to replenish the chicken supply bode well, says Absa AgriBusiness.
Africa goes from net carbon sink to source
New research shows Africa's impact on greenhouse gases and the need to focus on climate-smart agriculture, writes Jyothi Laldas.
Zero-residue fresh produce a reality
Retail giants are calling for caution when using biologicals and chemical pesticides, writes Lindi Botha.