There is something deliciously hearty about root vegetables, and we've assembled a collection of the best for you to grow yourself. All of these varieties hold a coveted RHS Award of Garden Merit, so you can be sure that these are proven garden performers, guaranteed to be suitable for UK gardeners at every level of experience. Full of flavour and so fresh!
Beetroot 'Boltardy' fabulously sweet and tender roots, this delicious variety is perfect for cooking – whether roasting or pickling, or for soups and salads. Not only tasty, it is good for you, too, being an excellent source of folate, with good levels of potassium and vitamin C. The green leaves and stems also make good, nutritious eating when harvested young, at about 5-8cm tall. Rich in iron and vitamins, they have a similar flavour to leafy veg such as spinach. 180 Seeds.
Carrot 'Flyaway F1' an early cropping variety producing sturdy, blunt-ended roots, typically 12-15cm long, with a smooth skin and deep orange colour. Its deliciously sweet flavour is balanced with a tender but crunchy texture – great for eating raw or in stir-fries, or conventionally boiled, steamed or roasted to make the most of its superior flavour. 350 Seeds.
Onion 'White Lisbon' a superb spring onion with a mild flavour and crisp bite when harvested young. Left to mature for a while longer, it will develop a stronger, more pungent flavour – equally delicious whether eaten raw in salads, slaws or potato salads, or added to stir-fries or other savoury dishes during the final stages of cooking. 650 Seeds.
Parsnip 'Gladiator F1' a top-quality variety that produces long, wedge-shaped roots with smooth skin and clean white flesh, so they are easy to wash and require minimum peeling. They keep well in the ground to harvest over the growing season as required for the kitchen. Indeed, their fabulously sweet flavour is even better after the first frosts, which turn some of the starch into sugar. 200 Seeds.
Price £13.96