Ideal for early sowings as they mature quickly, Beetroot Bietola da Orto Paonazza d'Egitto produces unusual flatter roots with deep red flesh and a sweet flavour.

Prepare a seedbed to produce fine tilth, eliminate weeds and incorporate a handful of general fertiliser. To speed seed germination, soak seeds in tepid water overnight before sowing. For earliest crops sow seeds thinly under fleece or cloches in early spring.

For main sowings sow seeds from late March to July, 3mm deep, in rows 30cm apart, placing 3 seeds per station 5cm apart for small roots, 0cm apart for larger roots. Cover seeds lightly with soil, firm gently and water if soil is dry. When seedlings have -3 leaves, thin to plant per station, removing the weakest plants.

Continue to water as necessary and keep free of weeds.