Bulls Blood Beet
Dual-purpose heirloom, grown for greens as well as beet roots. Deep red leaves are sweeter than radicchio and the young tops make an attractive addition to salad mixes. The scarlet roots are uniform 2-3" diameter. with a sweet, wholesome flavour and best when harvested young. Maturity 35 days for baby leaf, 58 days for roots. Approx. 450 seeds/pkg.
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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.
Growing Microgreens:
Sow seeds in a shallow tray of potting mix and cover lightly. About 8 to 9 grams of seed should be enough for an 11 inch x 21 inch tray. Keep the soil moist but not wet. Seedlings should be grown in full light to keep them from stretching.
Harvest:
Once seedlings have 1 –2 true leaves they are ready for harvest. This can range from 10-20 days depending on the growing conditions and the type of micro green. To harvest cut the seedlings off just above ground level with a sharp knife or scissors. The plants will not regrow, so discard the left over soil and start a new batch.
Pests:
Damping off can be a problem with microgreens. Be sure and use fresh potting mix with each batch, do not over water and allow air to circulate around the seedlings.