Cylindra, Beet Seeds
Key Attributes
Cylindra beets, also known as "Formanova" or "Butter Slicer," are a unique variety of beetroot known for their elongated, cylindrical shape. These beets have a fascinating history, originally hailing from Europe, particularly Denmark, where they were developed in the early 20th century. Their distinctive shape was cultivated to make them easier to slice and can, a practical innovation that has made them popular among home gardeners and commercial growers alike.
In terms of taste, cylindra beets are mild and sweet, with a slightly earthy flavor. They are known for their tender, non-fibrous texture, making them excellent candidates for pickling, roasting, or slicing thinly for salads. Their deep red-purple skin contrasts beautifully with the vibrant, dark red flesh inside, adding an attractive element to culinary dishes.
Cylindra beets typically grow to be 6-8 inches in length and 2 inches in diameter. They are ready for harvest in approximately 55-65 days from planting, making them a relatively quick-growing beet variety. They thrive in well-drained, loamy soil with full sun exposure. When it comes to disease resistance, cylindra beets tend to be more resistant to common beet diseases like leaf spot and powdery mildew than some other beet varieties. Proper spacing is crucial, with about 2-3 inches between each plant and rows spaced 12-18 inches apart. With the right care and growing conditions, cylindra beets can yield a bountiful crop of these delicious and uniquely-shaped vegetables, making them a favorite among gardeners and chefs.
Key Attributes
Product Details
Weight
0.018Depth
0.3Height
4.5Width
3.25Plant Height
12-16"Botanical Name
Beta vulgarisSeed Type
SeedAdditional Characteristics
Market ProductionSeeds Per Gram
88Seeds Per Pound
40,000Row Spacing
24"Packet
200 SeedsSow Depth
1/2"Beet Shape
CylindraDisease Resistance
CLSSeeds Per Ounce
2,500Fruit 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)
55-65Seeds Per Acre
11 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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Our Seed Promise
"Agriculture and seeds" provide the basis upon which our lives depend. We must protect this foundation as a safe and genetically stable source for future generations. For the benefit of all farmers, gardeners and consumers who want an alternative, we pledge that we do not knowingly buy or sell genetically engineered seeds or plants.
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.
