Beet experts

[catjac1975]

Last year I grew the best beets. Most of the beets I have grown in the past had an earthy taste, especially when I juiced them. Last years beets, grew to be larger than a big grapefruit, were as sweet as can be, did not get woody even when I held them in the soil until nearly winter. The problem. I have no idea what they are. I cannot find it in any of my seed orders. I have a habit of picking up extra seeds if I am out and cannot remember what I have at home. The beautiful seed displays which are usually burpee are enticing though I sometimes get poor germination from those seeds. Anyone have a favorite beet that they can suggest?

 

[Collector]

I have only grown the once and did not like them very much. Maybe I let them grow and get to Woody. Not sure but if Detroit is a variety those are the type I grew. I’m watching this thread maybe get another variety I may like better and try growing again.

 

[seedcorn]

I’m going with a new beet myself. Bet it was a new cultivar. They are 10-12% sugar vs OP are 5-6% sugar.

 

[catjac1975]

I’m going with a new beet myself. Bet it was a new cultivar. They are 10-12% sugar vs OP are 5-6% sugar.

Any names to suggest?

 

[aftermidnight]

I have only grown the once and did not like them very much. Maybe I let them grow and get to Woody. Not sure but if Detroit is a variety those are the type I grew. I’m watching this thread maybe get another variety I may like better and try growing again.

Different strokes for different folks, I really like the variety Detroit Dark Red, they are especially good roasted in a balsamic vinegar, brown sugar, butter glaze .

Annette

 

[seedcorn]

I bought Red Ace. 12-15% sugar, low fiber, slow to bolt in heat.

We’ll see.

 

[digitS']

Red Ace has been my choice for quite awhile.

Howsomeever, I'm not much of a fan of beetroot. Baby beets are what I want. Maybe leaves but mostly I want the entire plant from tiny size to the roots being the size of marbles.

The only real problems I've had with growing them: poor germination in the past, planting too late and heat inhibiting growth, and trying a variety with real red leaves a couple of seasons (Bull's Blood). It didn't grow well. A leaf-eater so my ideas for growing grapefruit-size roots wouldn't likely be of help.

Steve

 

[majorcatfish]

The last couple years have only grown red ace and boldor <golden beet> Both are best picked when they are around 2-3” in dia after that they start getting tough ...

 

[flowerbug]

Different strokes for different folks, I really like the variety Detroit Dark Red, they are especially good roasted in a balsamic vinegar, brown sugar, butter glaze .

Annette

we normally grow those and yes they are really good roasted. toss with a little olive oil and that's it.

for some years i couldn't even grow them very well the soil was so poor but now they do well in almost any of the veggie garden beds.

 

[catjac1975]

Red Ace has been my choice for quite awhile.

Howsomeever, I'm not much of a fan of beetroot. Baby beets are what I want. Maybe leaves but mostly I want the entire plant from tiny size to the roots being the size of marbles.

The only real problems I've had with growing them: poor germination in the past, planting too late and heat inhibiting growth, and trying a variety with real red leaves a couple of seasons (Bull's Blood). It didn't grow well. A leaf-eater so my ideas for growing grapefruit-size roots wouldn't likely be of help.

Steve

I have had poor germination also. Soak you seeds overnight and you will have a great germination improvement.