Beta vulgaris subsp. maritima
Sea beet
Explore the size, hardiness, soil, light, edible uses and harvest period of Beta vulgaris subsp. maritima.
Plant photos
2 photos · Select to enlarge
Beta vulgaris subsp. maritima in flower.
Krzysztof Ziarnek, Kenraiz / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 4.0
Photo details
Resized and converted to WebP. No content edits.
Source: File:Beta vulgaris subsp. maritima kz03.jpg
Reviewed . Source identification, photograph and license reviewed. The image illustrates the named plant; it does not verify dimensions or other plant traits.
Leaves of Beta vulgaris subsp. maritima.
Krzysztof Ziarnek, Kenraiz / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 4.0
Photo details
Resized and converted to WebP. No content edits.
Source: File:Beta vulgaris subsp. maritima kz05.jpg
Reviewed . Source identification, photograph and license reviewed. The image illustrates the named plant; it does not verify dimensions or other plant traits.
Common names
4 names · 3 languages- EnglishYour language
-
- Sea beet
Other languages (2)
- Dutch
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- Strandbiet
- zeebiet
- French
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- Betterave maritime
Sources & name notes
Names recorded in our plant catalogue, grouped by language. Usage can vary by region.
General information
This record describes sea beet (maritima). Its identity is retained separately from cultivated beet crops.
Sources [1]Plant characteristics
Growing conditions
Moist
Sand (light) Loam (medium) Clay (heavy)
Acidic Neutral Alkaline
Full sun
Uses
Leaves
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
Sources and references
References for the information marked with source numbers on this page.
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Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew
World Checklist of Vascular Plants, version 16, extracted 4 June 2026
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.