// SPECIES PROFILE · FOOD CROP · CULTIVATED

Beet

Beta vulgaris (Conditiva Group)

Beet (Beta vulgaris (Conditiva Group)) is a cultivated biennial food crop grown for its edible root, leaf. Family: Amaranthaceae (amaranth family). Originally from Mediterranean coast. Hardy in zones 3a–11a. Mature size 1'–18". Harvest in northeastern Oklahoma: May–Jun and Oct–Nov.

// QUICK FACTS

Family: Amaranthaceae (amaranth family)
Group: crop · biennial
Origin: Mediterranean coast · cultivated
USDA zones: Zones 3a–11a
Mature size: 1'–18"
Sun: Full sun
Water: Medium
Edible parts: root, leaf
Harvest (NE OK): May–Jun and Oct–Nov
Garden role: cool-season root & greens · tolerates alkaline soil · spring & fall crop

Beet (Beta vulgaris (Conditiva Group)) — *Beta vulgaris (Conditiva Group)* — Beet. Photo by BriannaWalther via Wikimedia Commons (CC BY-SA 3.0).

Field Notes

[ growing · ecology · siting · care ]

Why it's on this list: cool-season root & greens · tolerates alkaline soil · spring & fall crop. A cultivated food crop — not a native — grown alongside regional natives in Rooted Revival's kitchen-garden and food-forest designs. Harvest windows are for northeastern Oklahoma (USDA zone 7a).

Companion Planting

[ guild · polyculture · cross-layer pairings ]

In a kitchen garden or food-forest guild, beet pairs well with: Onion (Allium cepa), Lettuce (Lactuca sativa), Cabbage (Brassica oleracea (Capitata Group)), Garlic (Allium sativum).