Organic Farmer Network: Network Discussion Summary

Topic: Beets

Favorite Beets varieties:

Most people don’t like to grow beets.

Nicolas, Ellen, Charlie like Red Ace

Alvin likes Cylinder beet.  They are huge and long and tender as can be.  You can start picking them when they are small. They are a great slicing beet.  He also grows  Ferona.

Ken says Harris variety called Avenger is better than Red Ace, but untreated seed is not available.  Warrior is also good.

The Wiedigers grow Early Wonder Tall Top for beet greens.  They think they probably could grow it for a baby beet, but definitely for the green.  They use some in mesclun mix.  It sparks up the mix in winter.  The seed relatively inexpensive.  Bulls Blood beet is great for color in mix, but poor germination.  Paul doesn’t think it is worth it, but Alison likes it.

Charlie says, “I have started some Red Ace beets for transplanting also. I feel a little crazy transplanting beets, but I am tired of getting spotty germination on my early crop. They look really pretty now all standing up in the tray. Beets up in February! That hasn't happened before.”