Strong plants with dense foliage so weeds are less of a problem. Dark red, round roots which can be picked from baby beet size, or left to grow larger for roasting or pickling. Leaves are also a tasty addition to salads. Can be stored for up to 4 months in ideal conditions.Sow thinly into finely raked, moist, warm soil at a depth of 13mm (½in) in rows, leaving 30cm (12in) between further rows.Thin seedlings to 5-7.5cm (2-3in) between plants. Grows best in soil that has been manured the previous autumn. When harvesting, twist the leaves from the root to prevent staining.