Babybeat has the reputation of being the best open-pollinated mini beet available. Unlike full-sized beet varieties, the roots are well-proportioned with a nice round shape with smooth skin even when young. The deep red beets grow to 1 ½-2 inches and will not increase in size, allowing you to harvest flavourful golf ball-sized beets for weeks. Babybeat is a reliable and consistent variety that is, you guessed it, well suited for container gardening and small gardens. A great addition to gourmet dishes, Babybeat is the perfect size for cooking or pickling whole.
GROWING INSTRUCTIONS
Beets are an essential cool weather root crop. They are highly valued for their nutritional content and versatility, as both the roots and leaves can be prepared in a variety of ways. Another reason this vegetable is prized is its ability to produce multiple harvests per season.
Seeds should be planted outdoors 3-5 weeks before the last frost date. Once soil can be worked and the temperature is at least 10°C, it’s safe to start seeds outside. Seeds can be soaked overnight before planting. This will speed up the germination process.
Soil should be well drained and kept moist. Plant seeds 2 cm deep and 5-8 cm apart. When greens reach 5-8 cm in height, thin them to 8 cm apart. These young plants plucked from the garden shouldn’t be wasted. They can be eaten right away, tender and delicious! Allow enough space between rows, about 60 cm.
Water slowly and deeply, allowing the roots to soak up and retain moisture, about 2 cm of water/week is required. Beets will respond well to being mulched after they are established. A good deal of sun is important for the plant to reach maturity in a short time.
Time to harvest ranges from 45-60 days, depending on the variety. If left in the earth for too long, beets can become woody and tough. So don’t wait, harvest when roots are exposed above the soil and about 5-8 cm in diameter. Mind the greens as well, they will become bitter when they reach a height over 15 cm. When harvesting, grab the spot where the greens meet the root firmly. Wiggle it little by little and pull straight up until it is freed from the soil.
Beets thrive both as a spring and fall crop. Take advantage of its quick growing season and, for good health, grow bundles of beets every year!
QUICK FACTS
- Beets were first domesticated in ancient Egypt, primarily for their greens. By the Roman era, it was thought that they were cultivated for their roots as well.
- Beets are a favorite cool-weather crop and are extremely easy to grow in a wide variety of soils.
- Beet seeds will remain viable for 4 years if stored in a cool, dark place, ideally between 4 and 10⁰C. After that, the germination rate may start to go down.
