The time course of growth and betalains biosynthesis by Beta vulgaris L. (cv. Detroit Dark Red) hairy root culture were investigated. It was established that hairy root culture produced 42.2 mg/flasks betalains (26.2 mg/flasks betaxanthins and 16.0 betacyanins) between 6th and 15th days of cultivation. The uptake of sucrose, nitrate and phosphate ions were followed during the cultivation and data on the physiology of the B. vulgaris hairy root culture are presented. (c) 2004 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.