West Coast Seeds Touchstone Gold Beet Seeds
The roots of this garden classic are smooth and orange on the outside, with intensely golden flesh beneath. The green tops are tall and strong - not to mention sweet and delicious. Touchstone belongs in every foodie's garden. 53 days, OP.
Approx. 200 seeds
Timing: Sow outdoors from late spring to mid-summer. Repeat every 2 to 3 weeks for a longer harvest window. Optimal soil temperature for germination: 10-26°C (50-80°F).
Seeding: Sow 1cm (1/2") deep, about 2 cm (1") apart. Seeds will germinate in 5-12 days depending on soil temperature. For uniformly sized beets, thing to 5-10cm (2-4") apart when seedlings are 5cm (2") tall. Eat thinned seedlings, roots and all. Root size is controlled by spacing and variety.
Growing: Beets are moderate feeders so plant in deeply dug, fertile soil and water regularly - dry soil will increase the amount of zoning (pale rings in the beet). Mix 1/2 cup of complete organic fertilizer per 3m (10') of row into the soil before the seed furrow.
Seed Specs: Canada No. 1 germination rate: 75%. Usual seed life: 3 years.