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I’ve always gone for small, round beetroot until Beetroot 'Cheltenham' was passionately recommended to me – it gets big and so gives you a huge harvest, but still every root has an exceptional flavour. Knocks the socks off any other large, tap-rooted beetroot.
- RHS Award of Garden Merit Winner
- Easy to grow for beginners
| Variety: | Beetroot 'Cheltenham' (Beta vulgaris, syn. 'Cheltenham Green Top') |
| Type: | Hardy Annual | Site: | Any sunny spot. |
| Sowing: | Soak seed in warm water for half an hour before sowing. Direct sow every 3-4 weeks from early March to July (under cloche until frost threat has passed). Sow thinly, 5cm apart in rows 30cm apart. |
| Final Thinning/Planting Distance: | Thin to 10cm between plants | Care tips: | Water well to ensure roots are moist. Plant in weed and stone-free ground. |
| Harvesting: | June - October. 8-10 weeks from spring sowing. Pick earlier for small golf ball size. To harvest pull alternate plants down the row, in effect thinning, to leave room for remaining beetroot to develop. Remaining roots will enlarge and store for winter. | Cooking Notes: | Cut the tops off before cooking, as this helps to lock in the nutrients. Cook whole, and then peel the skin to maintain the colour. Tops can be eaten at 5-8cm tall in salads. |
