High quality, round, bright red fleshed roots which do not go woody. Wonderful flavour when freshly cooked, either as 'baby' beet or as larger roots. Ideal for pickling. The young leaves can be used as an alternative to spinach.

Sow early April-July. Sow in well prepared, fertile soil 13mm (½in) deep in broad drills, spacing seeds about 2cm (¾in) apart. Allow 25cm (10in) between drills. Beetroot also responds well to module sowing, sow 4 seeds per module, and transplant each module when 5cm (2in) tall, allowing 7-10cm (3-4in) between each plant.

For baby roots, no thinning will be necessary. For larger roots, thin seedlings to 5cm (2in). Young leaves and stems can also be used as a spinach alternative.

Prefers a moist, rich, well drained soil in cool conditions.