Coloured Beet Collection
A collection of three great specialty beets. One Pkg each of Merlin (dark red), Boldor (golden) and Avalanche (white).
Merlin: One of the sweetest and darkest red beets we have found in our trials. Along with its very good flavour, Merlin has disease resistant tops that continue to look good throughout the summer. 55 days. Sized seed.
Boldor: Unique golden colour. Whether you cook the root or the greens you will be sure to enjoy Boldor. Yellow beets are ideal to cook with as they won't have a red stain.
Avalanche: Excellent raw eating quality. AAS Winner. A white flesh variety with a well-rounded root, upright light green leaves and excellent disease resistance.
Scroll down for more details and growing information.
Details
Growing Information
Planting:
Sow seeds thinly 1⁄2-1 inch deep, in rows spaced 8-12 inches apart. Soil temperature should be 18-24 degrees C for optimal germination. Thin seedlings1 inch apart for greens and 3 inches apart for summer use of roots. Plant every two weeks, starting as early as soil can be worked until late June.
Growing:
Choose a full sun location. Beets require a light, well-drained, cool soil with pH between 6.5 and 6.8. Compost or well-rotted manure along with pure wood ashes, as a supply of additional potassium, should be mixed well into the soil prior to planting. Applying Boron after 4-6 weeks of growth will prevent internal browning, particularly in dry seasons. Keep well-watered as drought will result in tough or woody roots.
Harvest:
Young and tender beet leaves can be used as greens. Dig or pull roots when 2-3 inches in diameter or desired size.
Pests & Diseases:
Generally beets are bug free with the possible exception of the Spinach Leaf Miner. Control leaf spots (Cercospora) with a sulfur or copper fungicide at the recommended rates.
Companions:
Bush bean, cabbage family, corn, leek, lettuce, onion, radish.
Sowing Rate:
Approximately 350-600 seeds/package will plant 25-30 foot row. 2000 seeds/25g, 4-5kg/acre.