Fauna
Plant

Beet

Beta vulgaris

Also known as Beetroot, Swiss Chard, Sugar Beet, Mangelwurzel

Beets produce dense, nutrient-rich taproots and broad green or reddish leaves that grow in basal rosettes during their first year of growth. In their second year, unharvested plants bolt to produce tall flowering spikes bearing tiny wind-pollinated flowers. Selective breeding from wild coastal sea beet gave rise to diverse agricultural cultivars including beetroot, Swiss chard, and sugar beet.

CultivatedRoot VegetableBiennial
Beet reference1 / 7
(c) Michael Bakker Paiva, some rights reserved (CC BY), uploaded by Michael Bakker Paiva · cc-by
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Not EvaluatedConservation statusIUCN Red List categoriesLCNTVUENCREWEXNot Evaluated — not placed on the risk ladderRed List categories, explained →
Key facts
Diet & preySoil Nitrates, Phosphorus, Potassium
Predators
  • Flea Beetles
  • Aphids
  • Root-knot Nematodes
ThreatsFungal leaf spot, root rot, agricultural insect pests
HabitatsAgricultural fields, gardens, coastal shores
Life span1–2 years
Classification
  1. OrderCaryophyllales
  2. FamilyAmaranthaceae
  3. GenusBeta
  4. SpeciesBeta vulgaris
Range & activity
Range data is not available yet.
Safe observation
Interaction riskLow
  1. Low
  2. Moderate
  3. High
  4. Very high
Why interaction risk is low
Safe to observe or cultivate at a normal distance.
Responsible observation
  • Garden Planting: Sow seeds directly in loose soil during cool spring or autumn weather for optimal root growth.
  • Flower Observation: Allow plants to overwinter to view their tall second-year flowering spikes in summer.
Related species
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