Beta vulgaris subsp. maritima (Sea beet)

Botanical name

Beta vulgaris subsp. maritima

Other names

Sea beet, Beta maritima, Acelga-brava, Wild beetroot

Genus

Beta Beta

Species

B. vulgaris subsp. maritima - B. vulgaris subsp. maritima is a variable, clump-forming annual, biennial, or perennial with leathery, glossy, ovate, edible, mid- to dark green leaves and loose, slender spikes of tiny, yellow-green flowers from early summer to early autumn.

Native to

Europe, Mediterranean, Northern Africa

Foliage

Deciduous

Habit

Clump-forming

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Colour

Flower

Yellow-green, Insignificant or absent in Summer; Insignificant or absent, Yellow-green in Autumn

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How to care

Watch out for

Specific pests

Birds , Cutworms , Lettuce root maggot , Root aphid , Root knot eelworm , Slugs , Snails

Specific diseases

Grey mould , Lettuce downy mildew , Mosaic virus , Ring spot

General care

Pruning

Thin seedlings to 30cm (1ft) apart. Pull off the outer leaves when they are large enough to use.

Propagation

Sow seed in situ in spring.

Propagation methods

Seed

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Monthly care advice

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Where to grow

Beta vulgaris subsp. maritima (Sea beet) will reach a height of 1m and a spread of 1m after 1-2 years.

Suggested uses

Add to salads, Beds and borders

Cultivation

Best grown in moist but sharply drained, acid soil in full sun. Prefers exposed, coastal sites. Tolerates salinity. Will not tolerate full shade or heavy clay. Wild ancestor to cultivated sugar beets, beetroot, and Swiss chard.

Soil type

Chalky, Loamy, Sandy

Soil drainage

Moist but well-drained, Well-drained

Soil pH

Acid, Alkaline, Neutral

Light

Full Sun

Aspect

North, South, East, West

Exposure

Exposed

UK hardiness Note: We are working to update our ratings. Thanks for your patience.

Hardy (H4)

USDA zones

Zone 8, Zone 7, Zone 6, Zone 5, Zone 4

Defra's Risk register #1

Plant name

Beta vulgaris subsp. maritima (Sea beet)

Common pest name

Acorn disease; Citrus little leaf; Citrus stubborn disease; Little leaf of citrus; Stubborn disease of citrus

Scientific pest name

Spiroplasma citri

Type

Bacterium

Current status in UK

Absent

Likelihood to spread to UK (1 is very low - 5 is very high)

3

Impact (1 is very low - 5 is very high)

3

General biosecurity comments

Bacterial pest affecting citrus and field vegetables now present in parts of the EU. Carrots are the main crop potentially at risk; but main vectors responsible for transmission are unlikely to establish in the UK. EU regulations should be updated to reflect extended host range. Industry may be interested in pursuing research to investigate impacts on field vegetables.

Defra's Risk register #2

Plant name

Beta vulgaris subsp. maritima (Sea beet)

Common pest name

African cottom leafworm; Cotton leafworm; Egyptian cotton leafworm; Egyptian cotton worm; Mediterranean climbing cutworm; Meditteranea Brocade; Tobacco cutworm

Scientific pest name

Spodoptera littoralis

Type

Insect

Current status in UK

Absent

Likelihood to spread to UK (1 is very low - 5 is very high)

2

Impact (1 is very low - 5 is very high)

3

General biosecurity comments

Regulated pest; frequently intercepted with occasional outbreaks which have been successfully eradicated in the UK.

About this section

Our plants are under greater threat than ever before. There is increasing movement of plants and other material traded from an increasing variety of sources. This increases the chances of exotic pests arriving with imported goods and travellers, as well as by natural means. Shoot is working with Defra to help members to do their part in preventing the introduction and spread of invasive risks.

Traveling or importing plants? Please read "Don't risk it" advice here

Suspected outbreak? Click here for contact details to report to the relevant authority.

Date updated: 7^th March 2019 For more information visit: https://planthealthportal.defra.gov.uk/