South Mountain Nursery
Est. 2018
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$8.99
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Description
This gourmet beet is an heirloom from Holland and produces very sweet beets that are pure white. They will not lose tenderness or flavor, even when they get big, and can be used for making sugar. Some people like to use them for frying or pickling. They are high-yielding and do well in storage.
Beets seem to have originated in the Mediterrenean region, where people grew them for thousands of years. Later, beets grew in Germany and Holland and were used as cattle fodder; they were later imported to England for this purpose, but the poor began to raise them for an affordable food source. American colonists later brought them to the New World, where they became a commonly enjoyed food both for their roots and their greens. According to historians, George Washington experimented with beets, cross-pollinating them to create new varieties.
Sowing: Direct sow heirloom White Albino beet 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 these heirloom White Albino beet 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 can be harvested any time after they reach a size of 1" in diameter, usually after about two months of growth. For best taste and tenderness, do not allow beets to grow over 3" in diameter. After pulling them, twist off the tops about 1" up the stem to prevent the beets from bleeding. Up to one third of the tasty beet greens can also be harvested without damaging the plant. Golden Detroit beets keep well for later use.
Beets seem to have originated in the Mediterrenean region, where people grew them for thousands of years. Later, beets grew in Germany and Holland and were used as cattle fodder; they were later imported to England for this purpose, but the poor began to raise them for an affordable food source. American colonists later brought them to the New World, where they became a commonly enjoyed food both for their roots and their greens. According to historians, George Washington experimented with beets, cross-pollinating them to create new varieties.
Sowing: Direct sow heirloom White Albino beet 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 these heirloom White Albino beet 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 can be harvested any time after they reach a size of 1" in diameter, usually after about two months of growth. For best taste and tenderness, do not allow beets to grow over 3" in diameter. After pulling them, twist off the tops about 1" up the stem to prevent the beets from bleeding. Up to one third of the tasty beet greens can also be harvested without damaging the plant. Golden Detroit beets keep well for later use.
