Crosby Egyptian, Beet Seeds
Key Attributes
The Crosby Egyptian Beet, a classic heirloom variety, has a rich history dating back to the late 19th century. Originating in Egypt, it was introduced to the United States in the 1860s and quickly gained popularity among gardeners and farmers. This beet variety has stood the test of time due to its exceptional taste and versatility in the kitchen.
Crosby Egyptian Beets are known for their sweet and tender flesh, making them a favorite for both raw and cooked applications. They have a distinct earthy flavor with a hint of sweetness, making them perfect for salads, pickling, roasting, and even juicing. These beets typically mature in about 55-60 days, making them a relatively quick-growing option for gardeners.
In terms of appearance, Crosby Egyptian Beets are small to medium-sized, usually reaching about 2-3 inches in diameter. They have a round to slightly flattened shape and a vibrant deep red or purplish skin. Disease resistance is moderate, with some resistance to common pests and diseases like aphids and leaf miners. In terms of yields, you can expect a good harvest of beets from each plant, especially if you space them adequately (about 2-4 inches apart) in well-drained soil with full sun to partial shade. These beets thrive in cool weather conditions, making them suitable for spring and fall planting. With its rich history and delightful flavor, the Crosby Egyptian Beet continues to be a treasured addition to vegetable gardens.
Key Attributes
Product Details
Weight
.008Plant Height
16-18"Botanical Name
Beta vulgarisSeed Type
SeedSeeds Per Gram
53Seeds Per Pound
24,000Row Spacing
24"Packet
200 SeedsSow Depth
1/2"Beet Shape
RoundSeeds Per Ounce
1,500Fruit Color
RedBreed
Open-pollinatedSun
Full SunMaturity
Main SeasonLife Cycle
AnnualSow Method
TransplantPlant Spacing
2-4"Categories
BeetGermination
5,6,7,8,9,10Days To Maturity (# Days)
55-60Seeds Per Acre
19 lbsComponents
Growing Instructions
Learning Download: How to Grow Beets
Beets are a unique root vegetable edible for both its bulb and green tops. The vegetable is a biennial, which means they flower and seed in their second year of growth, but beets are typically grown as an annual.
Before Planting: Beets grow quickly in light or loamy soils with a pH over 6.0. In general, cool temperatures produce the best flesh color. Weather temperature fluctuations will cause white rings in the roots.
Planting: Begin sowings when soil has warmed to 45°F. Sow 12-15 seeds/ft. 1/2″ deep, rows 14-18″ apart. Thin to 1 plant per 2″ when true leaves begin to show. For a continuous supply of greens and small tender beets, sow seed at 2-week intervals until 8 weeks before regular heavy frosts are expected. Sow seeds 4-6 weeks before transplanting out after heavy frosts have decreased. Sow seeds 1/2″ deep, 2-3 seeds per cell. Transplant out 3″ apart in rows 14-18″ apart.
Watering: Since beets consist of mostly water, the plant requires adequate watering to grow. Water beets at least an inch weekly if rain doesn’t supply enough moisture. Water slowly to permeate the soil and reach the root.
Fertilizer: Apply some high-nitrogen fertilizer six weeks after planting.
Days to Maturity: 14-21 days to have transplant ready, then see days to maturity for each variety.
Harvesting: Sow about 10 weeks before heavy freeze is expected. Dig under beet root and lift plants tops, wash, and store 6 months at 32°F and high humidity. Wash and put in cool location. Store cool and high humidity for best results.
Tips: Though beets can grow in partial shade, their roots may run into tree roots, so plant in deep soil.
AVG. Seeding Rate: 1M/66′, 5M/333′, 436M/acre @15 seeds/ft. and 18″ between rows.
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The mechanical transfer of genetic material outside of natural reproductive methods and between genera, families or kingdoms, poses great biological risks as well as economic, political, and cultural threats. We feel that genetically engineered varieties have been insufficiently tested prior to public release. More research and testing is necessary to further assess the potential risks of genetically engineered seeds. Further, we wish to support agricultural progress that leads to healthier soils, to genetically diverse agricultural ecosystems, and ultimately to healthy people and communities.
To learn more about the "Safe Seed Pledge" please visit www.councilforresponsiblegenetics.org.
