Beetroot Crosby Egyptian Flat

Beetroot Crosby Egyptian Flat: variety and characteristics

Beetroot Crosby Egyptian Flat (Beta vulgaris) is a biennial crop grown for harvest in the first year, of the amaranth family (Amaranthaceae). This variety has been selected and refined over the years.

The roots grow 7-12 cm., are very flattened in shape and grow almost at the soil surface.

They have a matt red skin and dark red flesh.

It is especially good when eaten raw, for example grated in salads.

Red beetroot is sweet, bright and very healthy — for salads, roasting, pickling and juice. The young leaves are also eaten.

Key features

• Measured germination rate of the batch: 93%
• Seeds per packet: 170–230 pcs (4 g)
• Seed origin: Poland
• Sowing: March – May; direct
• Harvest: July – September
• Position: sunny spot

When to sow Beetroot Crosby Egyptian Flat

Beetroot Crosby Egyptian Flat seeds are sown in March – May. Harvest in July – September. The months are a guide for a temperate climate — in warmer areas sow 1–2 weeks earlier, in cooler or upland areas, later.

How to sow and grow Beetroot Crosby Egyptian Flat

• Sowing method: direct
• Depth: 2–3 cm
• Spacing: 8–10 cm in the row, 30 cm between rows
• Germination: 7–14 days at 15–20 °C
• Position: sunny spot

Beetroot is extremely easy to grow in a wide range of climates. It prefers moist, sunny conditions without excessive heat. Beetroot prefers to be grown in light, sandy soil in a sunny spot, but it can tolerate almost any type of soil and a little shade will be tolerated. Do not add manure to the soil, as this will lead to improper root development. Beetroot can be grown from early spring onwards if grown indoors. The seeds can be planted directly in the ground once the threat of frost has passed. Beetroot is best planted at a soil temperature between 7°C and 25°C. The best-quality beetroot is grown at temperatures from 10 to 18°C. The seeds require plenty of moisture to germinate. Soaking them in warm water for an hour or two before planting is a great way to speed up germination. Expected emergence time 10 to 14 days. Sow your seeds in stages; a small batch every two weeks will give a continuous harvest. Sow 2 or 3 seeds per pot at a depth of 2.5 cm. in February. When they are about 5 cm. tall, carefully separate them into individual plants before planting (transplant only the strongest seedlings). This will avoid the seedlings competing with each other and prevent a crooked, deformed crop. Successful transplanting can be done as soon as the plants form their first true leaves. Unlike other root crops, beetroot seedlings transplant relatively well, provided they are not too large and are kept moist when transplanted. It is best to sow beetroot seeds directly in the ground when the soil temperature has warmed to about 7°C after May. If you want to grow small pickling-size beetroot, it should be sown quite close together, about 5 cm. apart, in rows 15 cm apart. apart. If you want to grow standard-size beetroot, sow about 10 cm. apart, in rows that are at least 30 cm apart. apart. Beetroot is ready for picking when the roots are between the size of a golf ball and a tennis ball – this is usually 12 to 16 weeks after sowing. The smaller the root, the better the quality. Pull from the whole row, not just one spot, as this thins the rows, leaving more space for the other beetroot to grow. Store the roots in dry sand or soil for winter use.

Soak the seeds for a few hours. Each "seed" is a fruit with 2–4 embryos — thin out the seedlings.

Harvest and use

Pick roots 5–8 cm in diameter — larger ones become woody.

Frequently asked questions

When should Beetroot Crosby Egyptian Flat be sown?

The recommended sowing months are March – May. Sowing method: direct.

How many seeds are in the packet?

The packet contains 170–230 seeds, pack size 4 g.

What is the germination rate of the seeds?

The measured germination rate of this batch is 93%. The test was carried out under controlled laboratory conditions; in the field, emergence depends on soil, temperature and moisture.

Why do several beetroots come up from one seed?

The beetroot seed is a multigerm cluster with several embryos. Thin out, leaving the strongest plant.