Beta vulgaris

This early 1890's introduction produces smooth, dark red, 16cm (6.5") long, cylindrical beets. The sweet tasting roots are excellent keepers and are perfect for slicing due to their uniform diameter and length. Cylindra cooks well and is best used when young however a pleasant surprise awaits as the roots still keep much of their sweet, tender flavour when larger!

Approx. 150 seeds/pkt

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 1.2cm (1.2") deep and 2.5cm (1") apart in two week intervals beginning when the soil has warmed to 7C (45F) 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 7-10cm (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 6M (20') of row.