Sweet and tender with a smooth skin. Good for early sowing. Bolt-resistant. Beetroot 'Boltardy' is...Sweet and tender with a smooth skin. Good for early sowing. Bolt-resistant. Beetroot 'Boltardy' is a true favourite and the perfect variety for early sowing, due to its resistance to bolting. This tried and tested variety produces beets with an excellent sweet flavour, smooth skin and deep red tender flesh. Boltardy seeds can be sown closer together to produce wonderfully tender baby beets. The leaves are great too for salads or an attractive garnish. Marshalls Garden Beetroot 'Boltardy' is an RHS AGM-winning, bolt-resistant variety prized for its sweet, smooth-skinned roots and tender deep-red flesh. Ideal for early sowing, it produces high yields with low maintenance and can be sown close for tender baby beets; the leaves make a tasty salad green. Suited to pots, patios, raised beds and vegetable plots, it prefers fertile, neutral to alkaline soil. Sow spring to mid-summer and water regularly in dry spells to reduce bolting. An annual crop with summer harvests, it grows to about 40 cm tall.
This guide is for home gardeners looking for a reliable and versatile beetroot variety. The key benefit of Beetroot 'Boltardy' is its bolt-resistance and adaptability, making it suitable for early sowing and various garden settings. A potential caveat is the need for regular watering to maintain optimal root development and prevent bolting. Beetroot 'Boltardy' seeds produce sweet, tender beets with smooth skin and deep red flesh, and the leaves are also edible, offering a dual-purpose crop for your vegetable patch or pots.
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Model Part Number
1248801
Brand
Marshalls Garden
Extended Product Information
FAQs
When is the best time to sow Beetroot 'Boltardy' seeds?
You can sow Beetroot 'Boltardy' seeds from early spring (March/April) through mid-summer (July) for successive harvests.
Can I grow Beetroot 'Boltardy' in pots?
Yes, Beetroot 'Boltardy' is well-suited for growing in pots, patios, and raised beds. Ensure the container is at least 30cm deep and has good drainage.
How close can I sow Beetroot 'Boltardy' seeds?
For mature beets, sow seeds about 5-10 cm apart. You can sow them closer together (2-3 cm apart) to produce wonderfully tender baby beets.
What should I do if my beetroot plants bolt?
Bolting is often caused by stress from irregular watering, temperature fluctuations, or drought. Ensure consistent moisture and avoid sowing too early in very cold weather.
Are the leaves of Beetroot 'Boltardy' edible?
Yes, the leaves are edible and can be harvested when young. They are great for adding to salads or using as an attractive garnish.
What type of soil do Beetroot 'Boltardy' prefer?
They prefer fertile, well-drained soil that is neutral to alkaline (pH 6.5-7.5).
How long does it take for Beetroot 'Boltardy' to mature?
Beetroot 'Boltardy' roots are typically ready to harvest about 60-80 days after sowing.
Troubleshooting
Beetroot bolting (producing a flower stalk) prematurely
Ensure consistent watering, especially during dry spells. Sow seeds at the correct time; avoid sowing too early in cold, wet conditions or during extreme heat. Use bolt-resistant varieties like 'Boltardy'.
Poor root development or small beets
Ensure the soil is fertile and well-drained. Avoid overcrowding by thinning seedlings properly. Ensure adequate watering. Check soil pH is not too acidic.
Hollow or woody roots
This can be caused by irregular watering, low soil fertility, or delayed harvesting. Harvest beets when they reach the desired size and maintain consistent soil moisture.
Seeds failing to germinate
Ensure seeds are sown at the correct depth (1-2 cm) and the soil is kept consistently moist but not waterlogged. Check soil temperature is adequate for germination (around 10-20°C).
Pros and Cons
Pros
Reliable bolt-resistance for extended harvest.
Excellent sweet flavor and tender texture.
Suitable for early sowing to get a head start.
Edible leaves provide a secondary crop.
Adaptable to various growing conditions and containers.
High yield with low maintenance requirements.
Cons
Requires regular watering, especially during dry spells, to prevent bolting.
Prefers fertile, neutral to alkaline soil, which may require soil amendment.
Primarily an annual crop with a specific harvest season.
Setup, Compatibility & Care
Sowing:
Choose a sunny location with fertile, well-drained soil that is neutral to alkaline (pH 6.5-7.5). If your soil is acidic, you may need to add lime.
Prepare the soil by removing stones and weeds and incorporating compost or well-rotted manure.
Sow seeds directly into the soil at a depth of 1-2 cm. Space seeds about 5-10 cm apart for mature beets, or closer for baby beets.
Sow from early spring (March/April) through mid-summer (July).
Garden Types: Suitable for vegetable plots, raised beds, containers, and patios.
Care:
Watering: Water regularly, especially during dry periods. Consistent moisture is crucial to prevent bolting and ensure good root development.
Weeding: Keep the area weed-free, as weeds compete for nutrients and water.
Thinning: Once seedlings have a few true leaves, thin them to the final spacing. Use the thinnings in salads.
Harvesting: Roots are typically ready to harvest 60-80 days after sowing. Gently pull them from the soil. Leaves can be harvested as needed from young plants.