Beta vulgaris

Strong, deep red tops grow to 13 cm (5") tall, add a colourful zest to salads and have a clean, crisp flavour. The 5-7.5 cm (2-3") diameter globe shaped roots have an intriguing red/white zoning. Harvest when the beets are smaller for the ultimate eating quality. Introduced in 1840.

How to Grow

Beets thrive in sandy loam with a pH of 6.0 to 7.5. Remember to fertilize. For continual harvest, sow seeds 1.2 cm (1/2") deep and 2.5 cm (1") apart in two week intervals beginning when the soil has warmed to 7 C (45 F) and avoid sowing after mid July. As each beet 'seed' is actually a corky fruit with 2 to 5 seeds contained within, it is important to thin the young seedlings to 7-10 cm (3-4") apart to provide enough room for proper root formation. Use plants that are thinned as a source of tender, edible greens. Over-watering or excessive rainfall may lead to excessive leaf growth and pale or small roots. One packet sows approximately 6 m (20') of row.

Approx. 150 seeds/pkt.