Early Wonder Tall Top Beet 1/4oz seed bulk package

1,250-1-875 seeds/oz (1,560 avg)

Beets (Beta vulgaris) are hardy biennials in the Chenopodiaceae family, which also includes spinach, chard, orach and quinoa.

• Garden Beets – From the deep red standard to striking gold, there is an abundance to choose from to please both the eye and the palate. Some are even specialized for edible leaves.
• Sugar Beets – With a sugar content of 20% and weighing from 8-15 pounds, this crop now generates close to half the world’s sugar.
• Forage Beets – Also called mangel beets, these are even larger than sugar beets and are used for animal feed.

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

½”-3/4”

Plant Spacing

Thin to 2-4” 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°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

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”. Use floating row covers to extend season.

Storage

Optimal storage conditions for roots are 32°F and 95% humidity, cut tops at 1” above crown, wash and let dry. Roots store well for up to 6 months. For best storage of greens, cool with water immediately after harvest and refrigerate in a plastic bag to retain moisture.