The information on this page only applies to seedlings sold by Fremont LEAF Nursery during our Annual Spring Seedling Sale 2021.
Beta vulgaris. Crosby’s Egyptian flat beet is an antique market variety developed in the 19th century and is still favored by farmers and market gardeners today. This perfect fall storage beet is earlier to mature than other storage varieties; a perfect late summer-sown beet to fill the winter pantry.[1] Beets can be grown year round in our area but are best grown in the cool season. Beets are a root crop so care must be taken when transplanting.
Seed Type
| Organic | Heirloom | Non-GMO | Hybrid | Open-pollinated | Untreated |
Additional Information
| Container Friendly | Trellis Needed | Easy to Grow | Pollinator Friendly |
When to Plant Your Seedling
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
Growing Conditions
| Light | Temperature | Soil | Water |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full Sun | 55-75 F | loose, well drained soils with acidity between 6.2 and 6.8, but they will tolerate 6.0-7.5 | Moderate watering twice a week |
Planting Tips
| Plant Spacing | Plant Size | Days to Maturity |
|---|---|---|
| 2" - 4" depending on desired size | 55 days from seed |
- Additional instructions: Beets will tolerate 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.
- Fluctuations in the weather can cause white zoning[4] 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.[2]
- Harvesting instructions: 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.
- 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.
Common Diseases and Pests
- Leafhoppers, flea beetles, aphids, Leafminers and Cabbage maggot
- Leaf spot, Pocket rot, Downy mildew, scab [2]
Useful Resources
- https://www.rareseeds.com/store/vegetables/beetroot/crosby-s-egyptian(Seed Source)
- https://www.highmowingseeds.com/organic-non-gmo-touchstone-gold-beet.html
- https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/garden-how-to/soil-fertilizers/what-is-side-dressing.htm
- https://www.biotecharticles.com/Agriculture-Article/Physiological-Disorders-in-Root-Vegetable-Crops-3408.html#:~:text=Zoning,during%20root%20growth%20and%20development.
- http://mgsantaclara.ucanr.edu/garden-help/vegetables/vegetable-planting-chart/
- https://sfbaygardening.com/resources/bay-area-planting-calendar/
If you bought this seedling and have any questions or feedback, let us know in the comment section below.