Beet - Cylindra (Heirloom)

Cylindra Beets - An unusual beet as it grows long and narrow instead of round. Although they grow to about 6 inches in length they are best harvested around 4 inches for the best flavor. Chefs prefer these beets due to the uniform size of the sliced beets. If you like to juice beets, Cylindra is much easier to process than other beets. Planting Tips - Beets are best started directly in the garden about 3 weeks before the last average frost. They are frost hardy and Cylindra beets prefer a neutral to slightly alkaline soil. For a continuous harvest, sow seeds every 2 to 3 weeks until late summer. Beets will need an inch of water per week. Seed Depth - ½”, Seed Spacing - 12-15 seeds/foot, Days to Germination - 14-21 days, Plant spacing - 4-6 inches, Row Spacing - 14-18”, Plant Height - 12”.

Saving Seeds - beets are biennial and will only seed after the second year of sowing. Beets are also wind pollinated so be conscious of other beets being planted to avoid cross pollination. Plants will flower in June/July. When seed spikes are dry and tan/brown in color, cut plants and allow to dry in a paper bag for two weeks.Once dry, rub spikes to release seeds. Store seeds in a cool dry place using paper envelopes for up to four years. Label all seeds.