Beetroot, Beta vulgaris, is easy to grow and makes the perfect crop for 'beginner' gardeners. Roots are usually cylindrical or globe-shaped, and range in colour from darkest purple-red to pink, yellow and even white. Harvest them when they are young – no bigger than a golf ball – and eat them pickled, roasted, or grated and used in salads. Don't forget the leaves, which can also be harvested – use young greens in salads and older ones blanched like spinach.
Beta vulgaris 'Albino' is a fantastic white-skinned heirloom variety of beetroot, originating in Holland. Roots are sweet and tender, and perfect for grating raw into salads, where their colour won't stain other vegetables. Earth up roots with soil to prevent 'greening' of the tops.
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Beta ‘Albino’ and wildlife
Beta ‘Albino’ has no particular known value to wildlife in the UK.
