Description
1/16 oz
Days to Maturity: 45 DAYS
A sure crop for early spring greens and roots.
Quick-growing tops perfect for early beet greens, while roots size up quickly for bunched baby beets. Also a great full size beet with vibrant tops. Similar quality to Detroit Dark Red for early season crops.
Early greens
Excellent baby beet
2-3" roots
Soil and Nutrient Requirements: Beets appreciate loose, well drained soils with acidity between 6.2 and 6.8, but they will tolerate 6.0-7.5 and a wide range of soil textures. Heavy clay soils can be helped by the addition of organic matter, but make sure it is well composted or it will increase the risk of scab. Best quality arises from deeply cultivated raised beds, free of stones and debris. Fertilize with the ratio of 1-2-2 (N-P-K) seven days before seeding. 1-3 side dressings may be necessary. Beets can suffer from internal black spot if boron levels are inadequate. Use 1lb of boron per acre.
Seeding Depth: 1/2 -3/4 inch
Plant Spacing: Thin to 2-4 inches depending on desired size
Row Spacing: 12-24"
When to Sow: Direct seed as soon as soil can be worked in the spring, or up to 6-8 weeks before fall frost. Optimal soil temperature for germination is 55-75 degrees F.
Other Considerations:
- Fluctuations in the weather can cause white zoning in the roots.
- Keep beets well weeded. Beets fighting for space become tough and stringy.
- Too much nitrogen can cause a lot of leaf growth at the expense of root development.
Harvest when roots reach desired size. For winter storage, allow crop to stand for a few mild frosts, but harvest before a hard freeze. For beet greens, harvest starting around five weeks, or when leaves are ~3 inches. Use floating row covers to extend season.
