[Elcie]

Last year I must have dropped a beetroot seeds as it appeared inbetween the shed and the paving slab in front of it.  I left it to grow and then as it got bigger realised that I wouldn't be able to pull it out. Now it has gone to seed and has lots of stalks wtih seeds on that look similar to the ones dock leaves grow.  So, my question is shall I leave it and harvest the seed or is it just too much of a palaver and should I just cut the stalks off of it?

[viettaclark]

Do you know what beetroot you planted? If it was an F1 then the seed will probably not grow true. If not then you'll save a bit on seed next year....especially if it is a good type. Just keep it cool and dry over the winter.
Why not?

[Salmo]

Even if it is not F1 it is unlikely to breed true to the seed it came from. Most beet are produced by crossing several strains to produce them and are types rather than stable true breeding varieties. What you will get is a varied mix of both parents.

[Stevens706]

I'm using saved seed this year, germination is very impressive, I'll have to wait to see how they turn out, if they are good then I'll do it again for next year. I'm going to sow a small row of bought seeds just in case.

[Elcie]

Thanks for all the advice.

Typical me but I can't remember the variety, might have been bolthardy but really no idea.  It is a bit of a monster and it is right in the way as it is in front of one of my sheds, but I will leave it and see what happens.  At what point do I start to harvest the seeds?  Do I need to wait for the plant to die off?