Beetroot Farming in Kenya: Varieties, Smart Planting, Cultivation and Harvest.

The beetroot, Beta vulgaris, evolved from the wild sea beet that is found along coastlines from Britain to India. Its botanical name Beta comes from the Celtic 'bett' meaning 'red'. Beetroot is really a biennial but is grown as an annual, both for its bulbous roots and leaves.

Healthy Beetroot Juice

While most beetroots have red roots some varieties do come in yellow, white or even striped forms. In Kenya, it's becoming more popular especially in counties of Nakuru, Kiambu and Tharaka Nithi.

Ecological Requirements

Beetroot is a hardy plant that does best in more cooler climates with an ideal temperature range of 15°C to 25°C. While it can handle some heat and even cold, very hot weather can cause the roots of the beetroot to lose their color and therefore affecting the quality. Beetroot grows best in deep, well-drained loose soil with a pH range of between 6.0 to 7.0. Full sunlight hours are important for optimal growth. It does need enough water particularly during the dry spells. However excess watering or overwatering can lead to too much leaf growth leading to poor root development.

Beetroot Varieties That are Grown in Kenya

There are several beetroot varieties grown in Kenya and each has its unique traits:

1. Bolt Hardy is mainly known for its great taste, smooth round roots and resistance to bolting.

2. Detroit 6 Rubidus: Has smooth, firm, round roots and resists bolting.
Chioggia Pink: This variety has attractive red and white rings inside, with a sweet, tender flavor.

3. Cylindra: Features long, dark crimson roots and is resistant to bolting, making it great for storage.

4. Burpee’s Golden: A variety with yellow roots, known for its good flavor and with tops that can be eaten like spinach.

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Cultivation Practices in Beetroot Farming

Propagation

Beetroot is grown from seeds, which are directly sown in the field. Before planting, prepare the land by spraying weeds with herbicide, then plow, level, and treat the soil with a mixture of recommended herbicides to kill pests, ensure uniform germination, and provide nutrients.

Beetroot Planting

During planting, plant your beetroot seeds 0.5 inches deep in rows spaced at about 12 to 15 inches apart. Ensure you water after planting to help the seeds germinate. The seeds typically sprout in one to two weeks.

Cultural Practices in Beetroot Farming

1. Thinning: Once your seedlings are between three to five inches tall, thin them out to three to five inches apart to prevent overcrowding and to also allow for proper growth.

2. Irrigation: Consistently watering your plants is well advised especially during the dry weather spells. Proper watering helps develop strong roots and avoids woody and low-quality roots.

3. Mulching: Mulch helps in the retention of moisture in the soil and also keeps the weeds down. It also adds nutrients as it breaks down.

4. Weeding: Regular weeding is very important to stop weeds from competing for nutrients with your plants. The use of herbicides is advised to manage the weeds.

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Pests and Diseases and their Management in Beetroot Farming

Beetroot is also susceptible to pests and diseases that can reduce both yield and quality of your harvest. Some of the common pests affecting the beetroot include;

1. Leaf miners: These pests leave white trails on leaves, and they can be controlled by using pesticides from an Agrovet.

2. Aphids: Aphids do cause the yellowing and curling of leaves and can also spread diseases.

Darkling beetles: The beetles do attack stems and the seedlings of your beetroot.
Root knot nematodes: These pests cause galls on the roots, which reduces plant strength. Combat them by drenching the soil with a mix of basal fertilizers.

Common diseases include:

Damping off: Caused by fungi, it rots seedlings. Use fungicides to treat it.

Scab: A bacterial disease causing brown spots on roots.

Powdery mildew: A white fungal growth on leaves that can be treated with fungicides.

Beet curly top virus: Spread by leafhoppers, this virus causes stunted, curled leaves.

Beetroot Farming 

Beetroot Harvesting

Fertilization and Nutrient Management

Beetroot needs balanced nutrients throughout its growth. Fertilizers are mainly applied both at planting and during the growing season.

1. Basal fertilizers: Use DAP for planting and CAN for top dressing in order to provide essential nutrients like nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium.

2. Foliar fertilizers: Foliar sprays do help to improve the beetroot plant health and its growth when the fertilizers get absorbed through the leaves.

Common Nutrient deficiencies in beetroots

Nitrogen deficiency: This does lead to yellowing of the leaves and also slow growth of the beetroot plant and nitrogen-rich fertilizers can be use in correction.

Phosphorus deficiency: This results in stunted growth and dull green leaves and can be corrected with phosphorus-based fertilizers.

Magnesium deficiency: It causes yellowing between the leaf veins. Use magnesium fertilizers to fix this.

Potassium deficiency: Causes curled and necrotic leaves. Correct with appropriate fertilizers.

Maturity and Harvesting

Beetroot typically takes 55 to 70 days to mature. Harvest when the roots are about 5 cm in diameter (the size of a golf ball). To make harvesting easier, water the soil a day before. Pull out the roots carefully to avoid damage, and cut off the tops to prevent them from affecting the flavor and color.

After harvesting, wash and grade the beetroots by size. Ensure to store undamaged roots. They should also be kept in a cool and frost-free place or pickled for long-term storage. If left too long in the ground the beetroots can become woody and lose their flavor.

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Frequently Asked Questions in Beetroot Farming

1. What’s the best climate for growing beetroot?

Beetroot thrives in cool climates with temperatures between 15°C and 25°C. While it can tolerate some heat, too much can negatively affect root color and quality. It’s a hardy plant that can survive in a range of conditions as long as it gets enough water.

2. How often should beetroot plants be watered?
The beetroot plants do need good moisture to grow well, and especially during the dry weather periods. Do ensure to water regularly but also try to avoid overwatering as it can then lead to excessive leaf growth and poor root development.

3. When is the best time to harvest beetroot?
Beetroots typically mature in 55 to 70 days. Harvest when the roots are about 5 cm in diameter. If left too long in the ground, they may become woody and lose their flavor, so it’s best to harvest early for tender roots.

4. What are common pests affecting beetroot farming?
The common pests include aphids, leaf miners, root knot nematodes and darkling beetles. Aphids do cause leaf curling, leaf miners make winding trails on leaves, whereas nematodes cause galls on roots which the causes stunted growth

5. Common diseases that do affect the beetroot plant?
It can be affected by diseases like damping off, powdery mildew and bacterial blight which can cause damage to the plant by causing leaf spots, wilting or even root rot.

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