How To Grow Beetroot In South Africa
Beetroot is technically the beet plant’s edible taproot. It provides several health advantages and is a close relative of sugar beet and Swiss chard. High-quality beets have a lot of sugar and a dark interior. The delectable young leaves can be cooked like Swiss chard and are a good source of vitamin A. Vitamin C is abundant in the purple roots.
Climate
In South Africa, beetroot is often grown in cool climates or in warm climates during the cooler months. When the climate is favorable, the growing period lasts between eight and eleven weeks.
Cultivars
Using a hybrid cultivar designed for summer production offers several benefits even though beetroot is a cool-weather crop. These beetroots are inexpensive, but the seed superior in quality, better able to withstand extremely high temperatures, more consistent in shape, yield more, and have better internal color. In general, hybrids taste better when they are not in season. Crimson Globe, Detroit Dark Red, Star 1105, Merlin, Globe Dark Red, Osprey (spring and summer), and Early Wonder are some of the cultivars used (winter).
Planting seasons
Beetroot grows well in South Africa’s Highveld during the summer and in the Lowveld during the winter. The best seasons to plant beetroot are spring and autumn. Between 15°C and 20°C is the ideal temperature for growth. As long as the soil has appropriate moisture, beets are not overly susceptible to heat.
Despite being cold-tolerant, they grow very slowly during the winter. There could be a risk of damage to leaves and slowed growth if prior to harvesting is frost. Smaller tops may also be a result of cold weather.
Germination
When seeds are sown directly, they can germinate well between 6 and 24 degrees Celsius. A high temperature at, or just below, the soil surface on hot, bright days may harm or even kill young plants. In addition to slowing development and lowering yield, persistently high temperatures can also impart an unfavorable strong flavor, concentric rings, and a gritty texture.
Soil conditions
Beetroot is best grown in sandy to deep, silty soil that drains well and is rich in organic materials. A consistent soil moisture level is necessary for high quality. Roots are prone to be distorted and develop a rough texture if the soil is compacted or has a high percentage of clay
quality. Deep, rich sand loam with a pH of between 6 and 6,5 is ideal for beetroot growth.
Source: Agricultural Research Council’s Production Guideline for Winter Vegetables.
