Heirloom 1880
Crosby Egyptian Beet, an heirloom, originating in Germany, is reputed to be the most widely grown beet in the world. The large, flattened beets are grown primarily above the soil but the skins dont get the toughness of the upper portions of some beets. Crosby Egyptian Beet is very sweet and early without any earthy taste.

300 seeds

PLANTING

Beta vulgaris

Germination:5-10days

Germination Temperature:Optimum soil temperatures 50-85F.Soaking seed overnight aids in germination.

Seed Sowing Depth:1/2 deep

Starting Indoors:4-6 weeks before the last frost. Sow 1-2 seeds per cell/pot. Thin to 1 seedling per cell/pot. Transplant outdoors when the first true leaves appear, 3 apart.

Sowing Outdoors:Early spring with soil temperatures at least 50F. Sow 1-2 apart, thin when plants are 2-4 tall, 3-4 apart.Germination is slower at lower soil temperatures.

How much does a packet plant:20-25 foot single row

Harvest:Begin picking at 1 for baby beets and up to 3 across for the most tender and best tasting. For best storage cut off the greens 2 above the top of the beet.

Tips:Crosby Egyptian Beet seeds are actually fruits that contain multiple seeds inside with several seedlings emerging from one seed. Use the thinned seedlings for beet greens or plant a heavily seeded row for baby beet greens. Beets need to grow rapidly and evenly by providing soil rich in organic matter and adequate moisture. Sow every 2 weeks for a continuous harvest.