Spinach Beet (Beta vulgaris cicla)

Family: Chenopodiaceae | Edibility: Choice Edible (4/5)

Beta vulgaris cicla is a BIENNIAL growing to 0.9 m (3ft). See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 5 and is not frost tender. 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 very alkaline and saline soils.

Edible Parts & Harvest Seasons

Edible Parts: Leaves, Shoots

Harvest Seasons: Early Summer, Spring

Flavor & Culinary Uses

pleasant taste in the mouth. — Leaves and leaf stems - raw or cooked like spinach.; A very good spinach substitute, the leaves are large and easily harvested, yields are high.; Some people dislike the raw leaves since they can leave an unpleasant taste in the mouth.; Flowering stem - cooked.

Habitat & North American Range

Not known in a truly wild situation. (Zone 4, Zone 5, Zone 6, Zone 7, Zone 8)