1# MANGEL LONG RED BEET

Mangel – Long Red Forage Beet (often just called mangel beet) is a traditional root crop grown mainly for livestock feed, though it can also be used in a homestead or garden setting.

🌱 Key features

• Type: Forage beet (related to sugar beets and table beets)

• Root: Very large, long, cylindrical shape

• Color: Bright red outer skin, pale interior

• Size: Can grow 12–24 inches long and very thick

• Top growth: Large leafy greens

🐄 Why it’s grown

• High-yield feed crop for animals like:

  • Cows

  • Pigs

  • Sheep

  • Chickens (in smaller amounts)

• Produces huge roots with high energy (sugar) content

• Stores well for winter feeding

• Very productive — a small area can grow a lot of feed

🌿 Growing basics

• Sun: Full sun

• Planting time: Early spring (as soon as soil is workable)

• Spacing: Thin to about 8–12 inches apart

• Soil: Deep, loose, fertile soil (important for long roots)

• Water: Consistent moisture for best root development

⏱ Growth timeline

• Germination: ~7–14 days

• Harvest: about 80–100+ days

• Can be left in ground until fall, then harvested before hard frost

👍 Uses

• Livestock feed: Often chopped or sliced for animals

• Storage crop: Roots can be stored in a cool place for winter use

• Greens: Young leaves can be eaten like spinach (though less common)