Beet - Red Mammoth Mangel - Cover Crop Seeds
30-60 Days to termination. Red Mammoth Mangel Beet Seed. Non-GMO, annual, winter-killing (zone 2-8), forage-friendly. Red Mammoth Mangel is a classic fodder beet (a.k.a. mangelwrzel) grown for fast biomass, deep nutrient scavenging, and easy soil improvement. Its vigorous taproot drills into compacted layers, pulling up nutrients, while the broad canopy shades soil to suppress weeds. When terminated or left to die naturally, the roots can be left to decay or pulled as animal feed. In either event, they cavitate the soil, thereby improving its structure. The lush tops will add generous organic matter to build tilth and water-holding capacity.
🌱 As cover crop: 8 oz per 1000 square feet broadcast. For forage beet production about 2-3 lbs per acre drilled.
Downloadable Free Cover Crop Growing Guide
Growing Non-GMO Red Mammoth Mangel Beet Seed
Direct sow when soil temperatures are consistently above ~50 F. For cover cropping, broadcast seed over prepared soil at the recommended rate and lightly rake to a half-inch depth. Keep the seedbed evenly moist through emergence. For drilled plantings, sow 2–4 inches apart in 12–18 inch rows. Maintain even moisture and keep beds weed-free during early growth for best biomass and root development.
Termination methods (choose what fits your climate and system):
- Winter-kill (cold regions): Allow frost to naturally terminate the stand, then use the residue as a no-till mulch in spring.
- Mow - incorporate: Mow close to the crown, then till in or shallowly incorporate and allow 2–3 weeks for decomposition before planting.
Benefits of the Red Mammoth Mangel Beet Cover Crop
Produces substantial biomass for green manure, breaks up shallow compaction with a strong taproot, scavenges and recycles nutrients, boosts soil organic matter and structure, improves water infiltration, and provides a neat winter-killed mulch for reduced-till and no-till systems in cold climates. Traditionally forage-friendly for diversified farms.
About the Name Red Mammoth Mangel Beet Seeds
Will this mix winter-kill? In most cold-winter areas, yes—freezing temperatures typically terminate mangel beets, leaving residue that’s easy to manage. In mild climates, plan on active termination (mow/till or mow + tarp).
Is this mix forage friendly? Yes. Red Mammoth Mangel is a traditional fodder beet; both tops and roots have long been used as nutritious livestock feed.
How should this mix be used on a no-till garden or field? In cold regions, let it winter-kill and plant into the residue. In warmer zones, mow to stop regrowth, then tarp or lightly incorporate; follow with transplants or seed into a shallow, prepared strip.
During what seasons should this cover crop be grown? Spring, summer, or fall windows all work. Aim for 30–60 days of growth for effective biomass and soil benefits; longer windows produce larger roots and more organic matter.
Note: Terminate cover crops 2–3 weeks before planting cash crops to allow residue to mellow and nutrients to cycle.
Red Mammoth Mangel Beet Cover Crop Seed
Stories/Tips From Our Gardeners
"Under good conditions, these beets can reach enormous sizes - imagine a few mangels included in your harvest or Halloween decorations. Maybe even carved ..."
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- Jerry Sawyer, True Leaf Market Writer |
Other Resources
- What are Cover Crops and Green Manures Used For? - Learn how different cover crops are beneficial.
- Ground Covers vs Cover Crops - Learn what the difference is and how to use them.
No-Till Name Cover Crop Seed Coverage:
- 4 oz - Bulk Seeds - Covers Approximately 500 square feet
- 1 lb - Bulk Seeds - Covers Approximately 2000 square feet
- 5 lb - Bulk Seeds - Covers Approximately 10,000 square feet
- 25 lb - Bulk Seeds - Covers Approximately 10 acres drilled
Non-GMO Red Mammoth Mangel Beet Cover Crop seeds are available for Fast Free Shipping on qualifying orders.
Basic Info
| Latin Name: | Beta vulgaris (fodder beet, a.k.a. mangelwurzel) |
Growing Info
| Hardiness Zone: | Annual/Perennial - Will winter-kill in zones 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8; Use other methods to terminate in warmer zones |
| Days to Maturity: | 30–60 to effective biomass/termination window; 90–120+ for full root size |
| Days to Germination: | ~5–10 days in warm soils; longer in cool conditions |
| Seeding Depth: | 1/2 inch |
| Plant Spacing: | Broadcast and lightly rake in; for drilled rows 2–4 inches in-row |
| Row Spacing: | Drill: 12–18 inches between rows |
| Plant Height: | 18–24 inches |
| Growth Habit: | Upright rosette with deep taproot |
| Temperature Preference: | Best growth 60–75 F (germinates from ~50–85 F) |
| Light Preference: | Full Sun |
Other
| Plant Width: | 12–18 inches rosette; roots can grow very large |
| Planting Rate: | As cover crop: 8 oz per 1000 square feet broadcast. For forage beet production, about 2-3 lbs per acre drilled. |
| Cover Crop Mix Soil Benefits: | Rapid biomass for green manure; deep taproot breaks surface compaction and scavenges nutrients; increases organic matter; improves tilth and water infiltration; dense canopy helps suppress weeds. |
| Pests and Diseases: | Leafhoppers, flea beetles, and leaf miners. Remove infected leaves promptly and spray with neem oil, or use another control method. Scab is the only common disease and is easily prevented with proper soil health (good pH levels and crop rotations). Watch out for mice, gophers, and voles, which can target young beet plants. |