BEETS

CULTURE: High quality beets are grown quickly in rich, fertile soils. Fertilize every 2 weeks with our organic fertilizer to improve production. In general, cool temperatures produce the best flesh color and sweetest beets. Acute weather fluctuations will cause “zoning”, white rings, in the roots. When beets mature in warm weather, they are lighter colored, have less sugar and have more pronounced color zoning in the roots.

TRANSPLANTING: Plant transplants 3″ apart in rows 12-18″ apart – or plant about 4 or 5 inches apart in raised beds or square foot gardens.

DIRECT SEEDING: Begin early sowings when soil has warmed somewhat after thawing. Sow in a 2-4″ wide band, about 3′ apart, 1/2″ deep, in rows 12-18″ apart. Thinning is not necessary. For a continuous supply of greens and small tender beets, sow seed at 2-week intervals until 8 weeks before regular heavy frosts are expected.

DISEASES: Keep beets well irrigated to prevent “scab”, the same disorder that affects potatoes, causing raised brown rough spots on the mature roots. Internal breakdown or browning is most likely to occur in alkaline soils after prolonged hot, dry periods. This is caused by a deficiency of the nutrient boron. Rotate crops to prevent Cercospora leaf spot.

HARVEST AND STORAGE: Fork or undermine, lift plants, wash and cool in water, and store bunches 10 days at 32°F/0°C and 95% humidity.

WINTER STORAGE OF ROOTS: Sow about 10 weeks before heavy freeze is expected. Cut tops, wash, and store 6 months at 32°F (0°C) and 95% humidity.

Red Ace

The best all-around red beet. Rapid growth, sweet flavor, and tenderness are the characteristics of Red Ace. The round, smooth, deep red roots size early, with high uniformity. They maintain their sweet tenderness when larger and older. Medium tall, red-veined greens for bunching. 50 days to harvest.

Bull’s Blood

Heirloom variety produces beautiful, dark red leaves to jazz up your salad mix even under low-light conditions. The foliage color intensifies as the plant matures. Striking, both baby and full size. Roots show attractive candy-striped zoning when sliced. Days to harvest – 35 baby leaf, 58 roots

Touchstone Gold

Smooth, round roots with good internal color. Touchstone Gold has green petioles and leaves, and retains its golden color when cooked. Very good germination and excellent, sweet flavor. Compared to older varieties, Touchstone Gold has a better germ, more uniformly round roots, much smoother shoulders, and less zoning.