Beets can be planted in the garden any time after the last freezes are expected. Plant the seeds about 1/4″ deep , about two inches apart down the row. When the seedlings emerge, thin the plants to stand about four inches apart. You can harvest both the young leaves and baby beets, effectively further thinning out the row. Young leaves are great in salads and beet greens taste great cooked as greens, either with the baby beats attached or not.
Beets are a biennial, requiring two years to produce seed. If you wish to save seed, just leave a few beets in the ground, covering them with mulch when the ground first freezes. In severe winter climates, you may have to store beets in a cool location, protected from freezing, and plant the beets again, come spring. They will then send up seed stalks. When the seeds are mature and dry, carefully cut off the stalks and place in a large paper bag. Shake the stalks and bag to separate the seeds. Dry thoroughly and store in an airtight container.
BEETS About 200 seeds per pack
Cylindra
Cylindra beets are a nice change from round beets in that they are elongated and give many more slices per beet than round beets. This is a plus when canning time rolls around. They also slip their skins easier too. Just boil in water for a few minutes with the root and a bit of the top on then plunge into ice water. The skins slide right off. 60 Days
Detroit Dark Red Mom’s very favorite beet for canning. And it’s ours, too, as it is so easy to grow and so nice dark red. The greens are excellent when picked for salads or eaten with baby beets. Early, they can be used from 45 days as baby greens/beets or let mature another few weeks. Detroit Dark Red is a sweet treasure whether eaten as baby beets or canned up to enjoy during the years to come. 55 days to full size
Detroit Golden
Detroit Golden Beets are a wonderful change from “plain” red beets. They have nice, gold flesh, which is sweeter and more mild than red beets. An added plus is that the color doesn’t bleed out during cooking or canning. I think they taste like a cross between beets and carrots, so I use them raw in salads too. 55 Days
Chioggia Here’s a gorgeous salad beet! Concentric circles of white and pink. Slice horizontally for a different presentation. They are also great to steam or boil; very sweet. 60 days
All seed packages are only $3.50 each.
