Beet - Ruby Queen

Planting Tips: Sow seed as soon as soil can be worked, while the weather is still cool. Plant again in early July in the north and late July in the south for a fall crop. Beets prefer rich, well-drained soil. Plant seeds ½ inch deep and 2 inches apart in rows 16 inches apart. Germination should take place in 12-15 days. Water well during dry weather and mulch to reduce weeds. After seedlings grow 2 inches tall, thin so plants are 4 inches apart. Thinnings make tasty salad or boiling greens. Dig when roots are 2-3 inches across for best texture and flavor. Expect 55 days until maturity. Store in a cool root cellar or cool basement for winter use. This variety produces early yields of smooth-skinned beets with deep red color.

Saving Seeds: Beets are biannual and will only seed after the second year of sowing. Beets also are 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.