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Organic Crosby's Egyptian Beet Seeds

Beta vulgaris

  • HOW TO GROW
  • FAST FACTS

HOW TO GROW

Sowing: Direct sow seeds outside 4 weeks before the last expected frost. Soften the seeds by soaking them in water for 2 hours, then plant in full sun and well drained soil. Sow them 1" deep and 1" apart in rows 1-2' apart. Tamp down the earth above the seeds to ensure good contact with the soil, and germination should take place in 5-15 days. Add compost or other organic matter for healthy growth. For companion planting benefits, plant beets with bush beans, onions, or members of the cabbage family; avoid planting them near pole beans.

Growing: Since each beet "seed" holds up to 8 actual seeds, the seedlings will need to be thinned to 3" apart. The uprooted plants do well as a second crop, as transplanting them will set them about 2 weeks behind the original plants. Take care not to bruise the seedlings when weeding. They love cool weather, and can survive temperatures down to 25F.

Harvesting: Beets have the best taste and tenderness when they are harvested between 1" and 3" in diameter. After pulling them, twist off the tops about 1" up the stem to prevent the beets from bleeding. Beets also produce beet-greens that mature in about 40 days. One-thrid of the tops can be harvested without damaging the plant.

Seed Saving: Since beets are wind pollinated, be sure to separate them from other varieties of chard and beet by at least two miles to preserve genetic purity. Beet plants must weather the winter in order to produce seed. In warmer climates, simply mulch the plants. In cooler climates, dig up the roots and store them in sand, without the roots touching each other, in a cool and humid location - plant them again in early spring. The plants will soon go to seed in the spring; wait until the seed heads are fully grown and dry before removing them. The seeds will readily come off the stems after they are completely dry. Store the seed in a cool, dry place for up to five years.

FAST FACTS

Latin Name: Beta vulgaris

Type: Open Pollinated, Heirloom, Cool Season

USDA Zones: 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12

Seeds per Ounce: 2,000

Planting Method: Direct Sow

Sunlight: Full Sun

Height: 16 Inches

Color: Red

Size Price Quantity
XL Mylar Packet (~250 Seeds) $3.96 -+
1 Oz Mylar (~2,000 Seeds) $9.35 -+
1/4 Lb Mylar (113g) $20.75 -+
1 Lb Mylar (454g) $66.00 -+
5 Lb Mylar (2.27kg) $297.00 Notify Me
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DESCRIPTION

Also known as Crosby's Early Egyptian, this heirloom variety originated in Germany and is a standard early bunching beet. Heart-shaped roots are flattened and dark red in color, while the erect tops are medium green and grow up to 16" tall. It matures in about 55 days.
In spite of their name, this beet actually came to America in 1869 via Germany, not Egypt. Crosby's Egyptian beets come from the work and research of Josiah Crosby of Massachusetts, who later sold his seeds to his colleague James Gregory. Mr. Gregory made this type of beet available to the public in 1885.

HOW TO GROW

Sowing: Direct sow seeds outside 4 weeks before the last expected frost. Soften the seeds by soaking them in water for 2 hours, then plant in full sun and well drained soil. Sow them 1" deep and 1" apart in rows 1-2' apart. Tamp down the earth above the seeds to ensure good contact with the soil, and germination should take place in 5-15 days. Add compost or other organic matter for healthy growth. For companion planting benefits, plant beets with bush beans, onions, or members of the cabbage family; avoid planting them near pole beans.

Growing: Since each beet "seed" holds up to 8 actual seeds, the seedlings will need to be thinned to 3" apart. The uprooted plants do well as a second crop, as transplanting them will set them about 2 weeks behind the original plants. Take care not to bruise the seedlings when weeding. They love cool weather, and can survive temperatures down to 25F.

Harvesting: Beets have the best taste and tenderness when they are harvested between 1" and 3" in diameter. After pulling them, twist off the tops about 1" up the stem to prevent the beets from bleeding. Beets also produce beet-greens that mature in about 40 days. One-thrid of the tops can be harvested without damaging the plant.

Seed Saving: Since beets are wind pollinated, be sure to separate them from other varieties of chard and beet by at least two miles to preserve genetic purity. Beet plants must weather the winter in order to produce seed. In warmer climates, simply mulch the plants. In cooler climates, dig up the roots and store them in sand, without the roots touching each other, in a cool and humid location - plant them again in early spring. The plants will soon go to seed in the spring; wait until the seed heads are fully grown and dry before removing them. The seeds will readily come off the stems after they are completely dry. Store the seed in a cool, dry place for up to five years.

FAST FACTS

Latin Name: Beta vulgaris

Type: Open Pollinated, Heirloom, Cool Season

USDA Zones: 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12

Seeds per Ounce: 2,000

Planting Method: Direct Sow

Sunlight: Full Sun

Height: 16 Inches

Color: Red