Description
Beta – Beet – Swiss Chard –
There are about 6 species of tap rooted rosette forming perennials and biennials, in this genus. They occur from grassland and saline coastal habitats in Europe, Northern Africa, the Mediterranean and Asia. They have ovate to triangular-ovate, glossy, light or mid green or purple basal leaves, and lance shaped stem leaves carried on thick leaf stalks. Spink like cymes of insignificant greenish flowers are produced in summer, with flowering accelerated by hot, dry condition. Flowers are followed by small, slightly prickly dry fruits. The most commonly grown species are grown as annual vegetables (such as beet and chard) or fodder plants, forming massively swollen roots. Useful for summer and winter color contrast in mixed border or in annual bedding.
Harvest – matures in 45 or so days, space 12-18″ inches apart, younger leaves are more flavorful and tender, pick outer leaves first and plant will produce new inner leaves, mature leave are 12-18″ long
B. vulgaris subsp. cicla – Swiss Chard – This ornamental biennial, often grown as an annual grows 9″ tall and 18″ wide. It is grown for a decorative effect of its foliage. It bears clusters of initially upright then arching, narrow, sometimes puckered, glossy. Light or mid green leaves, 9-12″ long, with bright red midribs and in some selections, with the leaf blades also red or purple red. Popular as a spinach substitute.
‘Bull’s Blood’ – grows 18″ tall and produces dark red foliage
‘Macgregor’s Favourite’ – has brilliant blood-red foliage and is less liable to bolt than most cultivars
‘Vulcan’ – grows 18″ tall and has brilliant red foliage
Grow in rich, loose but moisture retentive soil in full sun or partial shade. Water thoroughly during periods of drought to reduce the likelihood of bolting.
Prone to fungal leaf spots, downy mildew, powdery mildew, damping off, root rots caused by pythium and phytophtora, leaf miners, aphids, and caterpillars.
Zones 5-10
