Vegetables
Spinach Beet (Perpetual Spinach)
Beta vulgaris var. vulgaris
Never be without fresh leafy greens on hand. A versatile and prolific vegetable, and ideal if short of space, as it crops for most of the year. While similar to spinach, it is very hardy and tolerates drier soils, producing masses of succulent leaves that can be eaten raw or cooked.
- Position
- Full sun to partial shade
- Height
- 50cm
- Spread
- 45cm
Growing calendar
Sowing & growing
Sow March-May for summer harvest and Sep-Oct for winter harvest. Sow direct in fertile, pre-watered soil, 2.5cm deep in rows 40cm apart. Thin out seedlings to 23cm apart. Keep plants well-watered until established. Seedlings sown late in the year may benefit from extra protection with a cloche.
Aftercare
When harvesting, take leaves from several plants rather than stripping one plant bare. Keep soil moist during hot spells to discourage plants running to seed.
Gallery
Ref. SES032