Not the plant you're looking for? Search over 300,000 plants
Annual Biennial

Beta vulgaris 'Alto'
  • RHS AGM

beetroot 'Alto'

A beetroot variety producing sweet, red cylindrical roots that stand proud of the soil. The leaf stalks are ruby red and the leaves are pink-veined. Easy to grow and prepare

Join the RHS

Become an RHS Member today and save 25% on your first year

Join now
Buy this plant
Size
Ultimate height
0.1–0.5 metres
Time to ultimate height
1 year
Ultimate spread
0.1–0.5 metres
Growing conditions
Clay
Loam
Sand
Moisture
Moist but well–drained
pH
Neutral, Acid
Colour & scent
StemFlowerFoliageFruit
Spring Red Green Pink
Summer Red Green Pink
Autumn Red Green Pink
Winter
Position
  • Full sun
Aspect

East–facing or North–facing or South–facing or West–facing

Exposure
Exposed or Sheltered
Hardiness
H3
Botanical details
Family
Amaranthaceae
Native to the UK
No
Foliage
Deciduous
Habit
Tufted
Genus

Beta can be annual, biennial or perennial plants, often with rosettes of basal leaves and thick, fleshy roots. The genus includes a range of wild species, as well as cultivated food crops such as beetroot, chard and sugar beet

Name status

Accepted

How to grow

Cultivation

Keep the plants well watered as this will make them less likely to bolt. Harvest as soon as they are big enough to use. See Beetroot cultivation for further information

Propagation

Propagate by seed. See sowing vegetable seeds

Suggested planting locations and garden types
  • Cottage and informal garden
  • Patio and container plants
Pruning

No pruning required

Pests

Generally pest-free

Diseases

Generally disease-free

Get involved

The Royal Horticultural Society is the UK’s leading gardening charity. We aim to enrich everyone’s life through plants, and make the UK a greener and more beautiful place.