Growing Mangel Wurzel: Cultivating The Giant Of The Beet Family

Mangel-wurzel, or simply mangel, combines the benefits of root and leafy vegetables, offering both substantial, edible roots and nutrient-rich greens. These hardy beets can be a practical addition to any garden, especially for those looking to explore historical or heirloom crops. Here’s how to grow and make the most of these impressive vegetables.

Why Grow Mangel Wurzel?

They are renowned for their impressive size, with roots often weighing several pounds. They’re an excellent source of fodder for livestock, particularly in winter months. For human consumption, both the roots and greens are rich in nutrients, offering vitamins, minerals, and fiber. They can also be used in culinary applications, from soups and stews to pickles.

How to Grow Mangel Wurzel

Selecting Varieties

There are several varieties of mangel, ranging in colour from yellow to red. Some popular varieties include:

‘Mammoth Red’: Produces large, red roots ideal for both livestock feed and human consumption.
‘Golden Eckendorf’: Known for its yellow roots, this variety is particularly sweet and great for cooking.
‘Giant Yellow Eckendorf’: Another yellow variety, valued for its high yield and storage capability.

How to Plant

Timing: Sow mangel seeds directly in the garden in late spring, once the soil has warmed. Mangels require a long growing season, so plant as early as the climate allows.
Soil and Site: Choose a location with full sun and deep, well-draining soil. Mangels grow best in soil with a pH between 6.0 and 7.5. Prepare the bed by loosening the soil to at least 12 inches deep and incorporating plenty of organic matter.
Sowing Seeds: Plant seeds about 1 inch deep and 2-3 inches apart in rows spaced 18-24 inches apart. Thin seedlings to 12-18 inches apart once they are a few inches tall.

Caring for Mangel Plants

Watering: Provide consistent moisture, especially during dry periods, to promote even root growth. Avoid overwatering, as this can lead to root rot.
Mulching: Apply a layer of organic mulch around plants to retain soil moisture, suppress weeds, and regulate soil temperature.
Feeding: Fertilize mangels with a balanced, all-purpose fertilizer at planting time and again midseason to support robust growth.

Pest and Disease Management

They can be susceptible to the same pests and diseases as other beet varieties, such as leaf miners and powdery mildew. Use floating row covers to protect plants from pests and practice good garden hygiene to minimize disease.

Harvesting Mangel-Wurzel

Timing: They are typically ready to harvest in late fall, before the ground freezes. The roots can be left in the ground until needed, or harvested and stored.
Method: Use a garden fork to gently lift the roots from the ground. Brush off excess soil, and trim the tops and roots if storing.

Storing Mangel-Wurzel

Store roots in a cool, dark, and humid place, such as a root cellar, where they can last several months. The greens should be used fresh or can be blanched and frozen for later use.

Utilizing in Your Kitchen and Beyond

With its large, beet-like roots and leafy greens, is a versatile crop that can be used in various ways both in the kitchen and on the farm. Whether you’re looking to enhance your culinary repertoire or provide nutritious feed for livestock, mangel wurzel offers numerous benefits and uses.

Culinary Uses of Mangel Wurzel

In the Kitchen:

Roots: The roots of can be treated similarly to beets. They can be boiled, roasted, or grated raw into salads for a sweet, earthy flavour. Roots are particularly good for making hearty soups and stews. When roasted, they develop a rich, caramelized texture and taste.
Leaves: The leaves can be cooked like chard or spinach, making an excellent side dish when sautéed with garlic and olive oil. They are rich in vitamins and offer a milder flavour compared to other greens.

Preservation:

Pickling: Both the roots and the tender young leaves can be pickled. This not only extends their shelf life but also enhances their flavour, making them a tasty addition to salads and sandwiches.
Freezing: The greens of can be blanched and frozen for long-term storage, ensuring you have a supply of nutritious greens year-round.

Livestock Feed

Mangel wurzel has traditionally been grown as a feed crop for livestock, particularly cattle, pigs, and sheep. Its high water content and nutritive value make it an excellent supplement to dry feeds.

Roots: The large roots can be sliced or chopped and mixed into the daily feed ration. They provide essential nutrients and help hydrate the animals.
Leaves: The leaves are also suitable for feeding to livestock and can be used to add variety and nutrition to their diet.

Other Uses

Soil Improvement: The cultivation of mangel wurzel can benefit your garden by helping to break up compacted soil layers with its deep roots. This improves soil structure and aeration, making it easier to grow other crops in rotation with mangel wurzel.
Folk Medicine: In traditional folk medicine, they have been used for its supposed health benefits, including improving digestion and cleansing the liver. However, these uses are more anecdotal than scientifically proven.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What is mangel wurzel?

Also known as mangold wurzel or simply mangold, is a type of beet primarily grown as a feed crop for livestock, but it can also be consumed by humans. It is larger than regular beets and has a pale, fleshy interior.

How do you grow mangel wurzel?

It grows best in deep, well-drained soil with plenty of organic matter. It requires a sunny position and should be sown in early spring or late summer. Seeds should be planted about 1 inch deep and spaced about 12 inches apart to accommodate their large size.

Can mangel wurzel be eaten by humans?

Yes, both the roots and the leaves can be eaten. The roots can be boiled, baked, or used in soups and stews, while the leaves can be cooked and eaten like spinach.

What are the benefits of mangel wurzel?

It is nutritious and rich in fiber, vitamins, and minerals. It is particularly high in vitamin C. The crop is also beneficial for the soil as it can help break up heavy soils with its deep roots.

How do you store mangel wurzel?

The roots of can be stored in a cool, dark place for several months. They should be kept dry to prevent rotting. Alternatively, they can be left in the ground and harvested as needed, as long as the ground does not freeze.

Additional Resources for Growing Mangel Wurzel

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Royal Horticultural Society (RHS): Provides expert advice on growing all types of beets, with detailed information on planting, care, and harvesting. Visit RHS
Local Cooperative Extension Services: Offers localized advice on crop cultivation, suitable for gardeners and farmers in specific regions. These services often provide resources on soil testing and plant care customized to local conditions.
The Organic Gardening Catalogue: A great resource for purchasing organic seeds of mangel wurzel and other vegetables. The catalogue also offers tips on organic cultivation practices. Visit The Organic Gardening Catalogue
Books on Root Crops: Explore publications like “Root Cellaring: Natural Cold Storage of Fruits & Vegetables” by Mike and Nancy Bubel, which includes sections on storing crops like mangel wurzel.
Gardening Forums and Communities: Platforms like GardenWeb or The Gardening Channel provide a space for exchanging tips and experiences with fellow gardeners, including discussions on less common crops.

Final Thoughts

Growing mangel-wurzel can be both a practical and rewarding endeavour, providing ample feed for livestock or a nutritious, versatile vegetable for the kitchen. With proper care and attention, these giant beets can be a successful part of your gardening efforts.

Growing Mangel Wurzel: Cultivating the Giant of the Beet Family

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