Red Beet

Description

Ruby Queen is one of the best canning varieties out there! An attractive, smooth, uniform beet. Early, round roots with small crowns and fine tap roots. 60 days. Seed count 150.

Planting:  Sow seeds thinly 1⁄2 to 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.