Planting and Growing Guide for Mangle (or Mangel) Wurzel (Beta vulgaris)
Description
Mangle (or Mangel) Wurzel is a cultivated root vegetable, related to beetroot. It is often grown as a fodder crop for feeding livestock. The tops and bulbs it can be eaten when young. Mangel-wurzel grows best in full sun with regular watering. It prefers a freely draining, well-composted soil. It grows best in a sheltered spot in the garden with mild to warm conditions. It does not grow well in hot, humid conditions and in soils that are wet for long periods of time. In temperate or cool climates, sow the seeds in spring after the last frost. In subtropical climates, it can be sown in autumn. As the plant matures, the root gets larger and it turns from yellow to orange in color. Thin the seedlings, keeping only the strongest, thinning to 30-45 cm (13-16 inches) apart. You can eat the plants removed for thinning as beet tops. It takes about 3-5 months to grow good-sized mangle-wurzel, but they are best eaten when small.
Planting Guide
Seed Depth: Sow seed directly in the soil at a depth about 5 mm (1/4 inch) - about 3 times the diameter of the seed.
Space between plants: 20-30 cm ( 10 inches) apart after thinning. Sow seeds at half this spacing.
Harvest Time: First harvest in 7-9 weeks. Pick continuously to avoid a glut. Use some bulbs when small and tender
Hints:
- Keep well watered, and weeded, but do not over-water or the bulbs may split
- Sow in rows in batches to extend the cropping time
- Keep the bulbs covered in soil to ensure an even color and to help prevent hardening
- The shoots can be used in salads and stir-fries
- The bulbs can be roasted, either whole or cut into wedges.
Disclaimer: The PlantWhatWhen vegetable planting guide is only designed for use as a very general reference for home gardening purposes. It is not to be used for farming, markets or commercial activities of any kind whatsoever. We take absolutely no responsibility for the accuracy and adequacy of the information provided on this site. We recommend that you consider your local climate, weather patterns and conditions when deciding what and when to plant in your home garden. It's entirely your own decision. Happy Gardening and Best Wishes!