Mangelwurzels are incredibly large beets, sometimes over a foot long. They have typical red and green foliage, but their roots can weigh as much as 10 lbs.
Latin Name
Beta vulgaris ssp. vulgaris
Family
Amaranthaceae
Also Known As
Mangold Fodder beet Mangel beet
Type of Plant
Annuals
Crops
Seasons
Summer
Specifications
Max Height: 2'
Max Spread: 1'
Sunlight Exposure
Full Sun
Colors
Native Range
Europe
History
In April of 1788, Washington planted Root of Scarcity (mangelwurzels) in his vineyard enclosure.
Planted at Mount Vernon
Hardiness Zones
Average annual extreme minimum temperature 1976-2005
Bartlett Tree Expert Company has been working with Mount Vernon Estate since 2011 providing expert arboricultural care and GPS mapping for the estate’s historic trees, as well as support from their research facility. Mount Vernon is proud to partner with Bartlett Tree Experts and appreciates their sponsorship of George Washington’s Mount Vernon Plant Finder App.
Bring Washington's Garden Home
Purchase our historic seeds, collected from plants grown at Mount Vernon and plant them in your own garden.
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