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Beet Seeds, Crosby's Egyptian
Description
(Beta vulgaris). Crosby’s Egyptian flat beet is a 19th-century market variety developed by Josiah Crosby, a Boston farmer. Although its name suggests an Egyptian origin, it was actually a German variety refined for market appeal during the "Egyptomania" craze. Crosby selected for a flat, saucer-shaped beet with smooth skin, praised for early maturity and storage quality. It remains popular among farmers and gardeners today for its reliable performance and excellent storage properties.
- 55 days to maturity
- Full sun
- Sprouts in 14-21 days
- Seed Depth: 1/2"
- Plant Spacing: thin to 4-6"Â
- Ideal Temperature: 50-85 F
- Frost Hardy: Yes
Growing Tips
'Crosby’s Egyptian' beets are a popular heirloom variety known for their early maturity and sweet, tender roots. They perform best in cool weather, thriving in full sun with well-drained, fertile soil. Amend the soil with compost before planting to improve fertility. Ensure consistent moisture levels throughout the growing season to prevent the roots from becoming tough and woody. Mulching can help retain soil moisture and reduce weeds.
When to Grow
Sow seeds directly outdoors 3-4 weeks before the last expected frost in spring, or in late summer for a fall harvest. Beets are frost-tolerant and grow best in temperatures between 50 F and 85 F. In regions with mild winters, they can also be planted in the fall for a winter harvest​.
How to Sow and Plant
Sow seeds 1/2 inch deep and 1 inch apart in rows spaced 12-18 inches apart. Thin seedlings to 4-6 inches apart once they are a few inches tall to allow room for the roots to develop properly. Beets can also be grown in containers; use a pot at least 12 inches deep with good drainage​.
How to Grow
Maintain consistent soil moisture and avoid waterlogging. Fertilize with a balanced fertilizer or compost to support growth, especially in soils with low fertility. Beets are typically ready for harvest about 55 days after sowing when they reach 3-5 inches in diameter.
How to Save
- Beets are biennial, which means they don’t flower until the second year of growth.
- In the first year, when frost approaches, either try to overwinter them in the ground with floating row cover (a bit risky if you live in the north) or dig up the choicest plant before a freeze and store it indoors in a cool, dry, dark location until spring.
- Replant after the last spring frost and allow to flower.
- Beets are wind-pollinated and will easily cross with other beet varieties that are flowering, as well as with Swiss chards (which fortunately very rarely flower without assistance).
- Properly stored seeds should remain viable for 5 years.
FAQ
Can I grow Crosby’s Egyptian beets indoors?
While typically grown outdoors, you can start Crosby’s Egyptian beets indoors and transplant them outside once they have 2-3 true leaves. However, they prefer full sun and do best when grown directly in the ground or in containers outdoors​.
How should I prepare the soil for planting Crosby’s Egyptian beets?
Beets prefer well-draining soil with a pH between 6.0 and 7.0. Before planting, amend the soil with compost or a balanced fertilizer to enhance fertility. Avoid soils that are too high in nitrogen, as this can promote excessive leafy growth at the expense of the roots.
How do I know when my Crosby’s Egyptian beets are ready to harvest?
Crosby’s Egyptian beets are typically ready to harvest when the roots are 3-5 inches in diameter. You can gently brush away some soil to check the size of the beet before pulling it from the ground. Harvest usually occurs 55 days after sowing.
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