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Beetroot
الشمندر (البنجر) · Beta vulgaris
A sweet dark red root vegetable. Both the root and the leaves are eaten.
Quick facts
| Arabic name | الشمندر (البنجر) |
|---|---|
| English name | Beetroot |
| Scientific name | Beta vulgaris |
| Family | Amaranth family (Amaranthaceae) |
| Plant type | Annual root vegetable |
| Height | 30 to 40 cm |
| Water use | Medium |
Planting and harvest calendar
Best time to plant
October to December
Harvest time
January to March
JanuaryFebruaryMarchAprilMayJuneJulyAugustSeptemberOctoberNovemberDecember
Planting timeHarvest or flowering
Times are general for the Saudi climate and may shift a few weeks by region: cooler in the highlands and the north, warmer on the coasts and in the south.
Description
A short plant with green leaves and red veins, and a round dark red swollen root.
Where it grows
Grown in winter in most farming areas.
Soil
Prefers light sandy loam and handles some salt.
Water and irrigation
Regular, moderate watering.
Climate and light
Likes cool weather.
Propagation
From seeds sown directly in the soil.
Benefits and uses
- Rich in fiber, iron and folate
- Handles salt better than many vegetables
Drawbacks
- Stains hands and clothes
- Seedlings need thinning
Sources and references
The information was collected and checked from these scientific sources:
- Plants of the World Online (POWO) - Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew: Beta vulgaris
- Global Biodiversity Information Facility (GBIF): Beta vulgaris
- Wikipedia: Beetroot
- FAO Crop Calendar - Food and Agriculture Organization
- Ministry of Environment, Water and Agriculture (MEWA)
- Photo source: Wikimedia Commons (free license)