Pavilion
Plants in Johannesburg

Spring is great and even though we know it is going to have hot days and cold day we have to love the promise of new that comes with all the fresh leaves and blossoms this time of the year.

Beetroot is high in antioxidants and nutrients, believed to be able to provide you with anti-cancer and heart-protection properties, as well as the liver and also helps in lowering blood pressure making it the vegetable that moms and dads should all be eating! Beetroot is easy to grow and this popular vegetable is making waves again with all the new varieties on the market. In very early times, the medicinal properties of the root were more important than its eating qualities and it was used to treat a range of ailments including fevers, wounds and various skin problems. At that time, the roots were long and thin more like carrots. The rounded root shape that we are familiar with today was not developed until the sixteenth century and became widely popular around 200 years later. There has been a lot of development in different varieties since then and there are now many different varieties available in SA. Growing them from seed is the most economical way to go giving you incredible value for money. A vibrant orange-red ball root on the exterior and rich gold yellow flesh. The Purple Cylindra has an oval root and is a dark purple ball for something different. The red and white stripped beetroots Bulls Blood is also one of the more unusual varieties to grow. The new range of RAW Seed has a fun selection of mixed beetroot seeds where one can get anything from White, Orange or any of the above in the packet. Beetroot prefer to be grown in moist, fertile soil in a sunny spot, but will also thrive in raised beds or pots. Sow seeds directly into the soil, no need to start off in trays. For a continuous supply of beetroot, rather than a lot ready for harvest at once, you can continue to sow beetroot seeds throughout the summer. Watering: Beetroot is Water Wise but with a bit extra they are juicier and have more flavour. Water them at least twice a week once established for the best results. Besides the harvest the leaves look great and can be a focal point of you veggie garden or as a practical option in a courtyards. Add a layer of River Sand to the bottom of your container to assist with drainage. Sow your beetroot seeds thinly across the surface of the potting soil and then cover with another 3cm. Water your well and then wait for the seedlings to appear. This summer try growing your own Beetroot, it’s easier than you think: -)