Beta Vulgaris
4.0 out of 5 (2 experiences)
Fast grower
Large, lush leaves
About Beta Vulgaris
The leaf beet group consists of cultivars such as Swiss chard and beet spinach that are grown for their edible leafy greens. The biennials in this group do not produce flowers until their second year. The leaves can be eaten raw or cooked, but the thick stalks are best eaten after cooking.
Taxonomy
Beta vulgaris
Beta
Amaranthaceae
Caryophyllales
Also known as
Common Beet, Common Beet, Swiss Chard, Orange Swiss Chard and Beta Valgaris
How to care for Beta Vulgaris
Water
How often to water your Beta Vulgaris
every 9
Beta Vulgaris needs 0.5 cups of water every 9 when it doesn’t get direct sunlight and is potted in a 5" pot.
Use our water calculator to personalize watering recommendations to your environment or download Greg for more advanced recommendations for all of your plants.
Water 0.5 cups every
9
Light
Check the growing potential in your area
A plant's growing potential is determined from its location, the time of year, and current local weather.
Select a city to check sunlight intensity
Finding light for Common Beet in your home
a window
Beta Vulgaris love being close to bright, sunny windows 😎.
Place it less than 1ft from a south-facing window to maximize the potential for growth.
Beta Vulgaris does not tolerate low-light 🚫.
Select your region to see how the current weather in your area affects the placement of Beta Vulgaris in your home 🏡.
Nutrients
How to fertilize Beta Vulgaris
Most potting soils come with ample nutrients which plants use to produce new growth.
By the time your plant has depleted the nutrients in its soil it’s likely grown enough to need a larger pot anyway.
To replenish this plant's nutrients, repot your Beta Vulgaris after it doubles in size or once a year—whichever comes first.
FAQs
Beta Vulgaris is generally considered an easy-to-care-for plant and makes a great choice for beginners!
Water Needs
Beta Vulgaris prefers for the soil to dry out between waterings and should be watered regularly. Use our water calculator to personalize watering recommendations to your environment or download Greg for more advanced recommendations for all of your plants.
Sunlight Needs
Beta Vulgaris requires abundant, bright and direct light. Place it less than one foot from a window to ensure it receives enough light to survive 💪. Select your region to see how the current weather in your area affects the placement in your home 🏡.
Toxicity
Beta Vulgaris is not known to cause harm to humans or pets. Regardless, if you, a family member, a cat, or dog has ingested any plant material, please consult a doctor or a veterinarian.
Soil
Beta Vulgaris does best in well-draining soil. A good soil will contain lots of organic matter such as coco coir as well as perlite or vermiculite to help with drainage. Adding a handful of perlite to regular store-bought potting soil should do the trick!
Fertilizer
Beta Vulgaris should be repotted after it doubles in size or once a year, whichever comes first. Fresh potting soil has all the nutrients your plant needs, so as long as it’s refreshed yearly, you shouldn’t need to use fertilizer. Remember, plants get their energy from sunlight, not fertilizer!
Growth Pattern
Beta Vulgaris grows vertically and new growth will emerge from the top of the plant.
Growing Outdoors
USDA Hardiness Zone
Beta Vulgaris can be grown outdoors in USDA Hardiness Zones 2a-11b. Find your local hardiness zone here.
Care Summary for Beta Vulgaris
Beta Vulgaris
Greg recommends:
Water
0.5 cups every 9 days
Placement
< 1ft from a window
Nutrients
Repot after 2x growth
Based on the 4” pot your plant is in, and that it doesn’t get direct sunlight.
What other plant parents say
Fast grower 2
Large, lush leaves 1
Survivor 1
10/30/2021
Bitter. Don’t eat too much at once!
Fast grower
Large, lush leaves
