Bull's Blood Beet Seeds (Organic)

Bull's Blood Beet (Beta vulgaris) is a striking heirloom grown for both its deep red-violet leaves and sweet, earthy roots. Selected from the French variety Crapaudine for its dark foliage, this dual-purpose beet yields baby leaf tops in about 35 days and full roots in 55 to 60 days. The tender greens carry a mild, sweet flavor, while the smooth round roots are excellent roasted, boiled, or pickled.

At a glance

• Botanical name: Beta vulgaris (Crassa group)
• Type: Heirloom biennial, organic
• Days to maturity: 35 days for baby leaf, 55 to 60 days for root
• Sun: Partial sun
• Planting depth: 1/2 inch
• Spacing after thinning: 2 to 4 inches
• Germination: 5 to 10 days at 50 to 85°F soil
• Seeds per packet: about 200 (about 9,321 per 1/4 lb bulk)

Best for

• Spring and fall planting, thanks to good cold tolerance
• Salad gardens grown for colorful baby greens
• Ornamental edible beds and borders
• Home gardeners wanting roots and greens from one crop
• Roasting, pickling, and fresh salad use

How to grow

Sow in full to partial sun in well-draining soil and keep evenly moist during germination. Thin seedlings to 2 to 4 inches so roots can size up. Harvest leaves young for salads while the roots continue developing, then lift the roots once they reach full size. Its heat resistance and cold tolerance allow successive sowings across the season.

Flavor profile

The roots are sweet and earthy with a smooth texture, and the dark leaves are mild and tender, good raw in salads or lightly steamed and sauteed.

About Grow Organic

Grow Organic supplies non-GMO, certified organic seeds for home gardeners who value flavor, color, and dependable harvests.