beetroot 'Crimson King'

Grow in fertile, well drained, alkaline soil in full sun. Dig over bed in autumn and add well rotted manure if humus content is low. Sow direct between March and July into drills 2.5cm deep and lighly rake over with soil. Thin out seedlings to 10cm spacings. See beetroot cultivation for more information

No pruning required. Harvest roots when they are more than 5cm in diameter

Propagate by seed sown in spring or successionally through early summer

May be susceptible to aphids, flea beetles and mangold fly (beet leaf miner)

May be susceptible to beetroot heart rot, black leg and leaf spot