Variations
var. altissima
Sugar Beet
This form has white roots that contain a high percentage of sugar and are grown commercially to produce table sugar.  

var. cicla
Spinach Beet / Chard
This form contains leafy vegetables that are grown for their foliage and are widely cultivated. It includes Swiss chard including silverbeet and ruby chard. 
There are also the colourful leafy types with prominent mid-ribs and are grown as ornamentals in border planting’s or annual displays.

var. lutea
This form produces globose orange-yellow roots that are used for animal fodder.

var. vulgaris
Tuberous Beets
This form is grown for its swollen edible roots (tubers) and the included the red root vegetable beetroot. The roots are commonly purple-red, orange-yellow or white and the petiole and leaf viens are purplish-red.
The form mangel-wurzel was developed during the 18th century and the tubers are used as a livestock fodder. 

Cultivars
Throughout the world there are many differently named cultivars available and you should contact your local nursery to find out the current available varieties.

'Bull's Blood'
This plant produces dark red foliage; otherwise it is the simular to the species.

'Derwent Globe'
This plant produces a rounded beet with good texture and flavour.

'Earl Wonder'
This is a fast growing form; otherwise it is the simular to the species.