Beta vulgaris subsp. cicla var. flavescens rainbow chard
chard [Rainbow Mixed]
An excellent mix of round shaped beetroot varieties that come in a striking host of colours and flavours, from earthy to sweet. Perfect for growing as baby beets with kids and to add a splash of colour to a summer salad
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Size
Ultimate height
0.1–0.5 metresTime to ultimate height
1 yearUltimate spread
0.1–0.5 metresGrowing conditions
Moisture
Moist but well–drained, Well–drainedpH
Alkaline, NeutralColour & scent
| Stem | Flower | Foliage | Fruit | |
| Spring | Green Purple Red | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Summer | Yellow Purple Red Pink | Green Red Purple | ||
| Autumn | Green Pink Purple Red | Green Red Purple | ||
| Winter |
Position
- Full sun
Aspect
South–facing or West–facing
Exposure
Sheltered Hardiness
H3Botanical details
- Family
- Amaranthaceae
- Native to the UK
- No
- Foliage
- Deciduous
- Habit
- Clump forming
- 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
Trade
How to grow
Cultivation
Grow in fertile, well drained, alkaline soil in full sun. Dig over bed in autumn and add well rotted manure if humus content is low. Sow direct between March and July into drills 2.5cm deep and lighly rake over with soil. Thin out seedlings to 10cm spacings. See beetroot cultivation for more information
Propagation
Propagate by seed. See sowing vegetable seeds
Suggested planting locations and garden types
Pruning
No pruning required. Harvest roots when they are more than 5cm in diameter
Pests
May be susceptible to aphids, flea beetles and mangold fly (beet leaf miner)
Diseases
May be susceptible to beetroot heart rot, black leg and leaf spot
Get involved
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