How many plants for average family:
6 - 10 per person

Type of plant:
annual

Best Varieties:
Egyptian – old, flat variety with good tops
Slowbolt
Crimson/Derwent Globe
Crimson King

Sowing:
Can be sown direct or transplanted as seedlings.
Plant a dozen every fortnight for continual supply.
Seeds germinate well if soaked for ½ hour beforehand.
Good to plant between slower growing crops.

Growing Habit:
Root crop vegetable with edible tops.

Growing Conditions:
Consistent water prevents cracks.
Mulch in summer only to prevent drying out.

Companions:
Beans, broccoli, Cauliflower, Cabbage, Brussels Sprouts, dill, lettuce, lovage, marjoram, onions, peas, Silverbeet, Spinach.

Problems:
Too much nitrogen fertilizer can produce large tops at the expense of bulbs.
Rot can occur if conditions are too wet or too heavily mulched.
Rust can be a problem.

For further information:

The Goodness of Beetroot
... The Goodness of Beetroot. Beautiful Beetroot. Many people are of the belief that Beetroot is good for the blood ...
http://www.femail.com.au/beetroot.htm

Beet - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia. Beet. A selection of beets (beetroot) at a grocery store. Species: vulgaris. Beta vulgaris. L. The beet is a plant with a rounded fleshy taproot. Cultivars of the beet include ... beetroot, table beet or in the 19th century blood turnip used as a root vegetable ...
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Beetroot

Abel-Cole Beetroot Recipes
BEETROOT PREPARATION TIPS. Tip: Beetroot bleeds and will stain your hands. Remove the stains with lemon, or wear gloves. ... Beetroot Preparation Tips. SWEET BEETROOT SALAD. SPICY BEETS AND CARROTS. BEETROOT AND CELERY SALAD. CHILLED BEETROOT CONSOMMÉ ...
http://www.abel-cole.co.uk/Content/Recipes/Beetroot.htm

Beetroot
Beetroots are notable for their sweetness, they have the highest sugar content of any vegetable, but they are very low in calories. ... Beetroot. Home page | E Number index | Fruit and Vegetables ... vegetable, but they are very low in calories. Fresh beetroot also supplies a nutritional bonus, their green tops are an ...
http://www.ukfoodguide.net/beetroot.htm