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Summary

Taxonomic Note: This genus was formerly classified in the family Chenopodiaceae. Modern classifications include it within the Amaranthaceae.

Physical Characteristics

Beta is a PERENNIAL growing to 0.5 m (1ft 8in). The species is hermaphrodite (has both male and female organs) and is pollinated by Wind.
Suitable for: light (sandy), medium (loamy) and heavy (clay) soils and prefers well-drained soil. Suitable pH: mildly acid, neutral and basic (mildly alkaline) soils and can grow in saline soils.
It cannot grow in the shade. It prefers moist soil.

UK Hardiness Map US Hardiness Map

Synonyms

Plant Habitats

Edible Uses

Root- cooked[74]. The root is quite woody but it contains up to 30% sugar[74].

References More on Edible Uses

Composition

Figures in grams (g) or miligrams (mg) per 100g of food.

Leaves (Fresh weight)

45 Calories per 100g
Water : 86.4%
Protein: 3.2g; Fat: 0.4g; Carbohydrate: 8.1g; Fibre: 3.8g; Ash: 1.9g;
Minerals - Calcium: 114mg; Phosphorus: 34mg; Iron: 3.1mg; Magnesium: 0mg; Sodium: 0mg; Potassium: 0mg; Zinc: 0mg;
Vitamins - A: 3152mg; Thiamine (B1): 0.07mg; Riboflavin (B2): 0.22mg; Niacin: 0.6mg; B6: 0mg; C: 50mg;
Reference: [ 218]
Notes: The figures for Vitamin a are said to be milligrammes.

Medicinal Uses

Plants For A Future can not take any responsibility for any adverse effects from the use of plants. Always seek advice from a professional before using a plant medicinally.

None known

References More on Medicinal Uses

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Other Uses

None known

Special Uses

References More on Other Uses

Cultivation details

We have very little information on this species and do not know if it will be hardy in Britain, though judging by its native range it could succeed outdoors in many parts of this country. The following notes are based on the general needs of the genus. Succeeds in most soils but prefers a light neutral to alkaline soil.

References Carbon Farming Information and Carbon Sequestration Information

Temperature Converter

Type a value in the Celsius field to convert the value to Fahrenheit:

Celsius Fahrenheit:

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Plant Propagation

Seed - sow spring in a cold frame. Germination usually takes place within 2 - 3 weeks at 15°c. When they are large enough to handle, prick the seedlings out into individual pots and plant them out into their permanent positions in the summer. If you have sufficient seed, it can be sown outdoors in situ in mid to late spring.

Other Names

If available other names are mentioned here

Native Range

TEMPERATE ASIA: Iran (northwest), Turkey (central & w. Anatolia), Armenia, Azerbaijan

Weed Potential

Right plant wrong place. We are currently updating this section. Please note that a plant may be invasive in one area but may not in your area so it's worth checking.

Conservation Status

IUCN Red List of Threatened Plants Status :

Related Plants

Latin Name	Common Name	Habit	Height	Hardiness	Growth	Soil	Shade	Moisture	Edible	Medicinal	Other
Beta lomatogona	Beet	Perennial	0.5	0-0		LMH	N	M	2	0
Beta trigyna	Beet	Perennial	0.9	0-0		LMH	N	M	2	0
Beta vulgaris altissima	Sugar Beet	Biennial	1.5	4-8		LMH	N	M	4	2	3
Beta vulgaris cicla	Spinach Beet	Biennial	0.9	4-8		LMH	N	M	4	2	0
Beta vulgaris craca	Beetroot	Biennial	0.9	4-8		LMH	N	M	4	2	0
Beta vulgaris flavescens	Swiss Chard	Biennial	0.9	4-8		LMH	N	M	4	2	2
Beta vulgaris maritima	Sea Beet	Annual/Perennial	1.2	4-8		LMH	N	M	2	2	0
Castanopsis tibetana		Tree	0.0	-		MH	S	M	2	0
Clematis tibetana		Climber	4.0	5-9		LMH	SN	M	0	2
Corylus ferox	Himalayan Hazel, Tibetan hazelnut	Tree	10.0	7-10		LMH	SN	M	2	0	2
Cotoneaster conspicuus	Tibetan Cotoneaster, Cotoneaster	Shrub	3.0	6-8	M	LMH	SN	DM	0	0	3
Cyphomandra betacea	Tree Tomato	Tree	5.0	8-11	F	LMH	N	M	3	0
Hippophae tibetana	Tibetan Sea Buckthorn	Tree	15.0	7-10	F	LMH	N	DMWe	4	3	3
Rubus thibetanus		Shrub	2.5	5-9	M	LMH	SN	M	2	0	1
Sorbus thibetica	Tibetan whitebeam	Tree	20.0	5-9		LMH	SN	M	3	0	0
Taraxacum tibetanum		Perennial	0.0	-		LMH	SN	M	1	2

Growth: S = slow M = medium F = fast. Soil: L = light (sandy) M = medium H = heavy (clay). pH: A = acid N = neutral B = basic (alkaline). Shade: F = full shade S = semi-shade N = no shade. Moisture: D = dry M = Moist We = wet Wa = water.

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Beta - Fisch.&C.A.Mey.