Plant Details

Beta vulgaris subsp. maritima

Sea beet

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Explore the size, hardiness, soil, light, edible uses and harvest period of Beta vulgaris subsp. maritima.

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Common names

4 names · 3 languages
EnglishYour language
  • Sea beet
Other languages (2)
Dutch
  • Strandbiet
  • zeebiet
French
  • Betterave maritime
Sources & name notes

Names recorded in our plant catalogue, grouped by language. Usage can vary by region.

General information

Scientific name: Beta vulgaris subsp. maritima
Taxonomic placement (Kew): Beta vulgaris subsp. vulgaris View name reference ↗

This record describes sea beet (maritima). Its identity is retained separately from cultivated beet crops.

Sources [1]
Botanical family: Amaranthaceae

Kew's family placement for the genus Beta (WCVP v16).

Sources [1]
Also known as: Sea beet

Plant characteristics

Layer: Herbaceous, Vegetable
Catalogue size class: Small
Height: 1.20 m
Spread: - m
Growth rate: None
Foliage: None

Growing conditions

USDA hardiness: 4-8
Soil moisture:
Moist
Soil:
Sand (light) Loam (medium) Clay (heavy)
pH:
Acidic Neutral Alkaline
Light:
Full sun

Uses

Edible parts:
Leaves
Edibility rating:
(2)
Medicinal rating:
(2)
Functions:
None

Description

Young leaves can be eaten both raw and cooked. In spring, they are a tasty substitute for spinach. However, as the season progresses, the leaves develop a noticeable bitterness, especially in warm weather. Some people prefer to avoid eating raw leaves due to the potential unpleasant aftertaste that can linger.

Harvest

Harvest starts: 01/10
Harvest ends: 31/03

Sources and references

References for the information marked with source numbers on this page.

Sources checked
  1. Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew World Checklist of Vascular Plants, version 16, extracted 4 June 2026
    Supports: TaxonomyBotanical family
    Relevant sections
    • Taxonomy: WCVP version 16, wcvp_names.csv: Beta vulgaris subsp. maritima (L.) Arcang., name ID 2675631, row 765409; Beta vulgaris subsp. vulgaris , name ID 3262278, row 687893
    • Botanical family: WCVP v16, wcvp_names.csv row 1326131; name ID 2675545; Beta L.. Family column.

    Source checked on .

    Source data licence: CC BY 3.0.