🌱 Crapaudine Beetroot

Grow in deep, loose, stone-free, well-drained soil to prevent forking; work the bed to at least 20–30 cm depth. Aim for an even moisture-holding but free-draining texture (add compost plus a little sand/perlite if heavy). Target pH about 6.0–7.5; avoid recently manured ground to reduce scab and excessive leaf growth.

Sow thinly in situ in drills (rows) 2–3 cm deep in moist, well-prepared soil; keep evenly watered for germination. Thin seedlings to about 10 cm between plants (multi-seeded ‘clusters’ may produce more than one seedling). For earlier crops, raise in modules/cells and transplant while very young with minimal root disturbance. Succession sow from spring into midsummer for continuous harvest; avoid fresh manure and very dry soil to reduce forking/woodiness.

Incorporate well-rotted manure or mature compost before sowing, but avoid fresh/high-ammonia inputs. Use a balanced granular feed at bed preparation, then side-dress lightly once roots begin to swell; avoid excess nitrogen (promotes tops over roots and can reduce quality). If soil is boron-deficient, apply a small amount of seaweed-based fertilizer according to label directions, as beets are sensitive to boron shortage.

After seedlings are established, apply a light organic mulch (e.g., straw) to reduce evaporation and soil splash; keep mulch a few cm away from crowns to deter rot and slugs. In hot spells, slightly increase mulch depth to stabilize soil temperature and moisture; remove or thin mulch in cool, wet periods to improve airflow.

No pruning required. Remove flower stalks if plants bolt to focus on root growth. When harvesting roots, trim foliage to 2–3 cm above the crown; leaves can be picked sparingly as baby greens.