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Beet (and chard)
Habit (mature) · GT1976 / Wikimedia Commons · CC BY-SA 4.0
Limited coverage
Beet (and chard)
Beta vulgaris
A biennial root vegetable grown as an annual for its swollen taproot (beets) or large leaves (chard — same species, different cultivars). Cool-season crop; tolerates light frost. Edible leaves + roots; chard is grown specifically for the dramatic colorful petioles + leaves. Wind-pollinated when flowering; rarely flowers as a garden plant.
Review: Source-backed
Edible
Light
Full sun / Part sun
Water
Consistent moisture
Mature size
10-18" tall · 4" apart
Hardy in zones
Annual everywhere
Summer heat range
Cool-Mild
cool to mild summers Interim Plotwright tier until the plant AHS range is authored.
Native in Illinois
No
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Tolerates light frost; flavor often sweetens after cold exposure.
Climate notes
Cold hardiness
This plant is grown as an annual; hardiness zones don't apply.
Heat tolerance
Loading current AHS heat-zone and plant heat-fit data at your coordinates…
Sources & citations
Cite this page
For lesson plans, articles, or research that uses this page. To cite a single upstream fact instead, use its specific source listed below.
Plotwright. (2026, May 17). Beet (and chard) (Beta vulgaris). Retrieved 2026, June 5, from https://plotwright.garden/plants/beet
Sources for every fact
Every fact on this page traces to a source. 18 fields cited18 source-backed.
NC State Extension Gardener Plant Toolbox
University extension service
Backs 17 fields
Identity
Summary
Plant type
Light
Moisture
Hardiness
Heat zone
Size
Spacing
Habit
Design roles
Seasonal interest
Growth stages
Lifecycle
Regional guidance
Success tips
Designer notes
Wikimedia Commons
Photo · CC BY-SA 4.0
Backs 1 field
Image
Community photos
The photos above are our reviewed reference set, curated for accuracy.
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