Mr Fothergill's Beetroot Boltardy Seeds, Bolt resistant, early favourite. Do not cut the leaves, but twist them off to prevent the colour ‘bleeding’. Young leaves are also edible and can be cooked like spinach.

Sow outdoors thinly where they are to crop, 2.5cm deep directly into finely prepared soil which has already been watered. Allow 30cm between rows. Seedlings usually appear in 7-21 days. Thin seedlings to 10cm apart. Water well until plants are established. Regular sowings made every three weeks should ensure a continuous supply of young beets. Harvested roots can be stored in dry sand for winter use. Do not cut the leaves, but twist them off to prevent the colour ‘bleeding’. Young leaves are also edible and can be cooked like spinach.

• Ideal beet for early sowing as it does not ‘bolt’
• Lift young as ‘baby beets’ or leave to mature
• Excellent source of folate, good source of potassium

Sow time: Mar-Jul
Flowering/Harvesting time: Jun-Oct