A smiling little girl holding a Mammoth Red Mangel Beet cut out on a white background.
A gardener holding a Mammoth Red Mangle Beet with his daughter helping in the gardens at Baker Creek.
A smiling girl holding a giant Red Mangel Beet in the garden at Baker Creek.
A gardener and his two daughters holding up a huge Mammoth Red Mangel Beet on grass.
A laughing little boy in overalls sitting next to a huge Mammoth Red Mangel Beet.
A little girls in a red hat smiles as she holds a Mammoth Red Mangel Beet against a wooden fence.
A smiling gardener holding up a giant Mammoth Red Mangel Beet in the garden.
The foliage on a Mammoth Red Mangel Beet growing in a greenhouse.
Mammoth Red Mangel Beets growing in a greenhouse at Baker Creek.
A smiling little girl holding a Mammoth Red Mangel Beet cut out on a white background.
A gardener holding a Mammoth Red Mangle Beet with his daughter helping in the gardens at Baker Creek.
A smiling girl holding a giant Red Mangel Beet in the garden at Baker Creek.
A gardener and his two daughters holding up a huge Mammoth Red Mangel Beet on grass.
A laughing little boy in overalls sitting next to a huge Mammoth Red Mangel Beet.
A little girls in a red hat smiles as she holds a Mammoth Red Mangel Beet against a wooden fence.
A smiling gardener holding up a giant Mammoth Red Mangel Beet in the garden.
The foliage on a Mammoth Red Mangel Beet growing in a greenhouse.
Mammoth Red Mangel Beets growing in a greenhouse at Baker Creek.

Beet Seeds,
Mammoth Red Mangel

4.115 ReviewsSKU: #BT107Min. seed count: 250
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Description

(Beta vulgaris). A gargantuan beet for the adventurous gardener! Harvest this delectable beet for the dinner table when young, or allow it to grow to epic proportions (ours have reached up to 40 pounds and 6 feet long) for giant veg competitions or just for a good old-fashioned gardener's brag! A popular livestock feed in the 1800s, this makes a great fodder crop for the homestead. The giant roots are also used for a game called "mangold hurling." Dating to the 11th century, the sport is still played in the U.K. today. Harvest the roots when small and tender; they can be sliced thin and eaten raw or cooked. Grated, the roots make a delicious beet burger! The greens are supremely tender, even as the roots swell; we have harvested yummy greens from our giant mangel for up to 6 months. The roots are endlessly useful; they can be eaten, fed to chickens, horses, cows, and sheep, or used for sport!

Growing Tips: Mammoth Red Mangel beets prefer deeply tilled, well-draining soil, ideally sandy or loamy, to accommodate their large size. Adding plenty of organic matter, like compost, will support healthy growth. It's also advisable to remove rocks from the planting site. Thin early for best results.

Plant Details

Botanical Name
Beta vulgaris
Life Cycle
Biennial
Sun Requirement
Full sun
Days to Germinate
14–21
Days to Maturity
100
Planting Depth
½ in.
Plant Spacing
4–6 in.
Ideal Temperature
50–85°F
Frost Hardy
Yes

When to Grow

These beets are best planted in early spring or late summer. In regions with mild winters, they can also be sown in late summer for a winter crop. They thrive in cooler temperatures, ideally between 50 F and 85 F, making them suitable for USDA Hardiness Zones 3-10​. If you’re not sure how to find your first and last frost dates, consult our blog post 'Our Experts Answer Questions, Share Resources.'

How to Sow and Plant

Sow seeds directly into the garden about 1/2 inch deep and 4 inches apart, with rows spaced about 2 feet apart. Thin plants to 4-6 inches apart. If starting indoors, transplant seedlings once they are sturdy enough to handle and the soil is workable. Ensure that the soil remains consistently moist but not waterlogged during germination and early growth.

How to Grow

Mammoth Red Mangel beets require regular watering to prevent the roots from becoming tough and woody. Mulching around the plants helps retain moisture and keep weeds at bay. They are moderately heavy feeders, so consider applying a balanced fertilizer during the growing season. Be mindful of pests, though these beets generally face fewer pest issues compared to other crops​.

How to Save Seeds

  • Beets are biennial, which means they don't flower until the second year of growth.
  • In the first year, when frost approaches, either try to overwinter them in the ground with floating row cover (a bit risky if you live in the north) or dig up the choicest plant before a freeze and store it indoors in a cool, dry, dark location until spring.
  • Replant after last spring frost and allow to flower.
  • Beets are wind-pollinated and will easily cross with other beet varieties that are flowering, as well as with Swiss chards (which fortunately very rarely flower without assistance).
  • Properly stored seeds should remain viable for 5 years.

FAQ

How large do Mammoth Red Mangel beets get?

Mammoth Red Mangel beets can grow extremely large; ours have reached up to 40 pounds and 6 feet long. They require deep, well-tilled soil to reach their full size without becoming misshapen.

Can I grow Mammoth Red Mangel beets in containers?

Yes, but due to their large size, growing outdoors is recommended to ensure substantial growth.

What can I use Mammoth Red Mangel beets for?

Mammoth Red Mangel beets are traditionally grown as livestock feed due to their large size and high yield. However, they can also be harvested young for human consumption, providing a sweet, tender beet suitable for various dishes.

Browse our full range of beet seeds.

Also note:

The Mammoth Red Mangel is one of the celebrated varieties mentioned in our recent article about festivals devoted to heirloom vegetables!
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