Name: Organic 'Early Wonder' beet
Brand: Biologiquement vôtre
SKU: BIOV-SEMENCES
Price: 4.49 CAD
Availability: InStock

Sale Sold out

Photograph of freshly harvested organic 'Early Wonder' beets with round dark-red roots and upright green tops marked by red veins. Several grouped roots show the slightly flattened shape, smooth skin, and transition from crown to stalks. Abundant foliage illustrates the possible double harvest of roots and young edible leaves when plants are grown and handled carefully.

Biennial table beet grown as an annual Amaranthaceae

Organic root vegetable seeds

Biologiquement vôtre

Beta vulgaris subsp. vulgaris

From seed to harvest

Common name'Early Wonder' beet, early table beet

FamilyAmaranthaceae

GenusBeta

Speciesvulgaris subsp. vulgaris

CultivarEarly Wonder

TypeBiennial table beet grown as an annual

Botanical nameBeta vulgaris subsp. vulgaris

Quantity per packetApproximately 200 organic seeds

Organic 'Early Wonder' beet (Beta vulgaris subsp. vulgaris) is an early table beet with round to slightly flattened dark-red roots topped by green foliage with red veins. Approximately 200 organic seeds allow several sowing and harvest dates. This biennial is normally grown as an annual vegetable. Young roots offer a tender texture, while leaves and stalks may also be harvested in moderation. Its rosette habit and fast growth suit home vegetable gardens, raised beds, and deep containers. Harvest generally falls within an indicative 45-to-55-day range, although temperature, moisture, spacing, and desired root size influence the actual date.

Direct-sow two to four weeks before last frost as soon as soil can be worked. Seed clusters may produce several seedlings; thin them with scissors to approximately 7 to 10 cm so roots can enlarge. Sow 1 or 2 cm deep and maintain steady moisture through emergence. This beet prefers sun or bright partial shade, loose deep moist well-drained soil, and pH of approximately 6 to 8. Remove stones, incorporate mature compost, and avoid fresh manure or excess nitrogen, which promotes tops at the expense of roots. Make successive sowings while enough cool-season growing time remains.

Harvest roots at approximately 3 to 7 cm diameter before they become fibrous. Remove only several outer leaves so root enlargement remains supported. Lift the crop while soil is slightly moist, trim tops while leaving a short stem, then refrigerate roots and leaves separately. Successive sowings every two or three weeks extend the season. Container growing requires a pot at least 25 to 30 cm deep. Monitor leaf miners, Cercospora leaf spot, slugs, and moisture fluctuations. Light row cover may extend fall harvest without guaranteeing survival through severe freezes. Discard roots or greens showing rot, contamination, or uncertain storage history.

Light and life cycle

In the garden

Exposure: Sun to partial shade
Life cycle: Biennial, generally harvested in the first year

Sowing and germination

Sowing guide

Sowing & germination

Sowing depth

Approximately 1 to 2 cm (3/8 to 3/4 in)

Spacing / density

Thin to approximately 7 to 10 cm (3 to 4 in)

Germination temperature

Cool soil at least approximately 5 to 10 °C (41 to 50 °F)

Germination time

Approximately 5 to 14 days in evenly moist soil; cool soil slows emergence.

Sowing period

Direct-sow 2 to 4 weeks before last frost, then make successive sowings through midsummer

Propagation

Direct sowing

Growing method

Beet seeding: 'Early Wonder' beet. Direct-sow 'Early Wonder' two to four weeks before last frost as soon as soil can be worked. Loosen ground deeply, remove stones, and make furrows 1 to 2 cm deep. Space clusters, cover, and water gently. Every cluster may produce several seedlings. Once first true leaves appear, thin with scissors to approximately 7 or 10 cm without pulling neighbouring roots. Keep soil moist with deep irrigation and light mulch. Remove only several young outer leaves when good roots are also desired. Make successive sowings every two or three weeks through midsummer. Monitor leaf miners, Cercospora leaf spot, slugs, and uneven growth. Once roots reach 3 to 7 cm depending on use, lift them from moist soil. Trim tops while leaving a short stem and cool roots and leaves separately. For fall harvest, use light row cover. Record actual diameter and days instead of treating the 45-to-55-day range as a fixed deadline. Retain the exact 'Early Wonder' label. Inspect both leaf surfaces weekly. When tops grow without root enlargement, check spacing, light, and nitrogen before adding anything. Keep rows clearly labelled and stagger sowings to compare the most productive harvest schedules. Harvest into shade, clean tools after diseased plants, and keep top and root batches separate.

Soil and care

Soil & care

Soil pH

Approximately 6.0 to 8.0

Moisture

Beet prefers steady root-zone moisture with good airflow among tops. Avoid saturated soil and evening irrigation on foliage. Water at soil level in the morning, space plants correctly, and remove heavily spotted leaves to reduce conditions favouring foliar disease.

Care level

Easy

Watering

Keep soil evenly moist from germination through root enlargement. Water deeply at soil level as the surface begins drying. Alternating drought and excess water may slow growth or encourage split fibrous roots. After thinning, mulch lightly without covering the crown. In containers, check moisture daily during hot periods, irrigate slowly until excess drains, and empty saucers after watering or rain.

Soil type

Choose deep loose fine moist well-drained soil enriched with mature organic matter. Remove stones, clods, and debris that may deform roots. Avoid fresh manure and excessive nitrogen. In heavy ground, use a raised bed or deep container. Light mulch applied after thinning helps stabilize moisture without covering the crown or root shoulders. Rotate away from beds with persistent leaf disease.

Fertilization

Incorporate mature compost before sowing. In poor soil, moderate balanced organic feeding may support growth, but high nitrogen doses mainly favour tops at the expense of roots. Do not use fresh manure and never apply concentrated fertilizer to dry ground or directly against roots. Observe new-leaf colour and vigour before feeding again, and water after any approved application according to its label.

Seasonal care

Seasonal care for 'Early Wonder' beet. In late winter, inspect seed and prepare a rotated plot away from sectors with substantial leaf spots. In early spring, loosen soil deeply, remove stones, and incorporate mature compost. Sow 1 or 2 cm deep as soon as ground can be worked. Keep the surface moist until emergence, then thin seedling groups with scissors to 7 or 10 cm. Mulch lightly. During cool spring weather, monitor leaf miners and remove few tops. Make successive sowings every two or three weeks. In early summer, irrigate deeply, remove spotted leaves, and clean tools. During heat waves, check moisture more often and avoid large water swings. In midsummer, sow a row for fall. Harvest by diameter, trim tops, and cool separately. In fall, use row cover during cold nights, ventilate on mild days, and harvest before soil freezes. After the season, compost only healthy tissue, clean containers, and record sowing, thinning, pests, diameter, and yield to improve the next schedule. Retain exact cultivar labels on every row. In containers, rotate pots for balanced light, empty saucers, and check moisture daily during heat waves. After harvesting tops, allow new leaves before another cut. When nights remain mild beneath cover, ventilate to prevent condensation. Keep culinary tops separate from leaves removed for disease. During the season review, compare rows by diameter, tenderness, and ease of care, then adjust timing according to results observed in your garden. Sanitize harvest containers and store unused seed cool, dry, and clearly labelled. Before selecting the next sowing date, review previous timing, root diameter, tenderness, pest pressure, and watering needs so each new row fits current garden conditions.

Growing in containers

Container growing

Recommended pot size

At least 25 to 30 cm (10 to 12 in) deep

Growing 'Early Wonder' beet in containers. For 'Early Wonder', choose a container matching this guide: at least 25 to 30 cm (10 to 12 in) deep. Keep several drainage holes unobstructed. Use fine, loose vegetable mix screened free of stones and hard clods, with only mature compost added. 'Early Wonder' develops the expected harvest form: rosette of upright leaves above a round to slightly flattened root. Use visible changes in the crop rather than the calendar alone to judge harvest. Leave headspace for watering while preserving uninterrupted depth for the developing roots. Leave this beet open to light, airflow, and watering at soil level. Its growth is upright rosette above a swollen root. Place the pot in sun or bright partial shade where heavy rain cannot leave it standing in water. Place the crop in sun to partial shade, while preserving drainage and airflow at root and leaf level. Thin seedlings with scissors to protect the roots that remain. Space the planting thin to approximately 7 to 10 cm (3 to 4 in) to preserve access for watering, inspection, and harvest. For the root crop, keep foliage open to light, remove weeds shallowly, and cover exposed root shoulders with a little clean mix when needed. Sample one root first, loosen the surrounding mix, and lift the remainder without scraping neighbouring roots. Sample this beet before lifting the whole container. Loosen mix beside the developing roots, harvest without twisting neighbouring roots, trim tops promptly, and refrigerate sound roots separately from foliage.

Growth and harvest

Size, flowering & harvest

Mature height

Approximately 30 to 45 cm (12 to 18 in) including foliage

Width / spread

Approximately 20 to 30 cm (8 to 12 in)

Flower color

Inconspicuous green

Foliage color

Green with red to purple veins

Foliage type

Deciduous, harvested as an annual vegetable

Growth rate

Fast

Growth habit

Upright rosette above a swollen root

Fragrance

Mild, earthy, and slightly sweet after cooking

Edible parts

Roots, young leaves, and stalks

Bloom period

'Early Wonder' flowers only after shifting from harvest growth into reproduction. A taller seed stalk rises beyond the established upright rosette above a swollen root. In the 'Early Wonder' planting, water at soil level so open blossoms remain dry. For 'Early Wonder' beet, as bloom advances, quality of the rosette of upright leaves above a round to slightly flattened root declines and energy moves toward seed. When tending 'Early Wonder', remove bolting plants when leaves or roots are the goal, or retain a clearly labelled specimen for insects or seed observation. Do not let unwanted seed scatter, and remember that nearby related plants may affect seed purity.

Fruiting

During its second year, beet can flower and form seed clusters containing several seeds. This stage is not required for harvesting roots and tops. To collect seed where permitted, allow only a few healthy plants to complete their cycle, gather the stalks in dry weather, and finish drying away from moisture. Cultivar fidelity is not assured without adequate isolation from other flowering beet or chard plants.

Days to maturity

Approximately 45 to 55 days; harvest according to diameter

Harvest

Roots near 3 to 7 cm diameter; young tops in moderation; indicative 45-to-55-day range

Garden companions

Garden associations

Companion plants & uses

Companion plants

No specific companion plant is confirmed for this product. 'Early Wonder' can nevertheless grow near other vegetables that prefer loose, fertile, consistently moist soil when every crop receives suitable care. Maintain 7–10 cm between beets grown for roots, and prevent taller plants from creating complete shade. Companion planting does not replace crop rotation, leaf-miner inspection, weeding, or regular watering. Observe results in your own garden because plant interactions vary with soil, weather, and layout. Thin or move neighbouring plants when they begin to restrict airflow, light, or access for harvesting.

Garden use

'Early Wonder' beet in the vegetable garden. Place 'Early Wonder' in a vegetable garden, raised bed, or deep container where soil remains loose and moist. Sow short rows every two or three weeks to spread harvest. After emergence, thin to 7 or 10 cm so every root has enough room. Position rows near a water source and keep paths clear for easy leaf inspection. One edge of young beets may provide several tops while another row is reserved for roots. Combine the crop with vegetables having comparable needs without promising an automatic companion-plant effect. For rotation, avoid quickly returning beets or chard to a bed affected by persistent leaf disease. Mulch lightly after thinning while keeping the crown uncovered. During heat, light afternoon shade may reduce stress without replacing irrigation. Harvest into a clean basket, keep roots shaded, and separate tops immediately. After the season, remove diseased residue, clean row covers, and record the dates that produced the most tender roots. Keep harvests from different sowing dates separate when comparing diameter, texture, colour, cooking quality, and total yield. Label every row clearly so results remain useful when planning the next spring and fall schedule in your own garden.

Recipe and storage

Recipe idea

From garden to table

'Early Wonder' beet in the kitchen. Roasted 'Early Wonder' beets with sautéed tops — Separate the tops from 600 g roots, leaving a short stem, and scrub the beets. Wrap similar sizes together with 15 mL water and roast at 200°C until tender when pierced. Meanwhile, rinse the leaves and stems repeatedly to remove grit. Dice the stems and sauté them in 15 mL olive oil for three minutes. Add one minced garlic clove, then the sliced leaves, and cook just until tender. Peel the warm roots, cut into wedges, and toss with 15 mL cider vinegar, 10 mL oil, black pepper, and salt to taste. Layer the greens and roots on a platter, adding sliced apple and toasted walnuts for contrast. Use a clean board for the cooked beets after handling muddy roots. Discard tops that are slimy or yellowed beyond use and roots with deep rot. Refrigerate leftovers promptly in a covered container. The vinegar is a dressing, not a preservation step, so do not keep the dish at room temperature for extended periods.

Wildlife and pets

Wildlife & precautions

Supporting wildlife

Early Wonder reaches the kitchen well before its reproductive stage. Only roots left through winter produce second-year flower stalks, whose modest green blooms may receive small insects but rely heavily on wind for pollen movement. The variety therefore contributes little dependable forage in an ordinary vegetable rotation. Grow separate flowering plants if supporting pollinators is the goal.

Frequently asked questions

Why choose 'Early Wonder' beet for a home garden?

'Early Wonder' combines an early harvest of dark-red roots with edible tops when they are young and sound. Its indicative 45-to-55-day range allows checking to begin quickly, but diameter and tenderness remain the best harvest criteria. The variety suits successive rows, raised beds, and deep containers. Because seed clusters may produce several seedlings, thinning with scissors is essential for even roots. With loose soil, steady moisture, and 7 to 10 cm spacing, it provides a versatile crop for roasting, pickling, soups, salads, and sautéed greens. Prompt cooling after lifting helps roots and tops retain their separate qualities during longer storage.

Why do several seedlings emerge from one beet cluster?

A beet seed unit can contain several embryos, which is why two or more Early Wonder seedlings may appear from what looked like one seed. This is normal beet biology, not a purity problem. Once shoots are established, select the strongest spacing and thin to approximately 7 to 10 cm between plants intended for roots. Cut extras at the soil line with fine scissors rather than yanking the cluster, which can disturb the plant being retained. Keep the bed evenly moist afterward and check that soil has not closed over the small crowns. Young leaves and stalks are edible when clean and healthy, so suitable thinnings need not be wasted. Adequate spacing gives each plant room to form its round to slightly flattened root and keeps air moving through the upright rosette.

When is 'Early Wonder' beet ready to harvest?

Begin checking roots within the indicative 45-to-55-day range, then harvest according to desired diameter and texture. Expose the top of one root gently without injuring it. Small roots are often tender; a diameter of approximately 3 to 7 cm suits many culinary uses. Lift one sample while soil is slightly moist and taste it before harvesting the whole row. Roots left too long may become fibrous, while dry soil slows enlargement. After harvest, trim tops while leaving a short stem, keep roots shaded, and refrigerate both parts separately. Record diameter and date to adjust later sowings without treating the day count as a guarantee.

Can beet tops be harvested without harming the roots?

Yes, in moderation. Wait until plants are established, then cut one or two young outer leaves per plant with clean scissors. Always retain most foliage and the centre because leaves produce energy required for root enlargement. Repeated or severe defoliation delays harvest. Choose only healthy leaves free from miners, spots, rot, or contamination. Rinse and use promptly because tops store for less time than roots. When the main goal is a large beet, reduce leaf removal. After heat, drought, or disease, wait for new growth before harvesting again. Keep culinary tops separate from leaves removed solely for pest or disease control, and refrigerate sound leaves promptly.

How should beet roots and tops be stored after harvest?

Remove Early Wonder tops from the roots soon after lifting so foliage does not dehydrate the beets. Cut leaves while leaving a short stem, without slicing the root crown or skin. Refrigerate clean young leaves and stalks separately in a ventilated container and use them within a short period. For longer root storage, gently brush away loose soil but postpone washing until use. Keep sound roots cold and humid in a perforated or suitable container that avoids pooled condensation. Label the batch with its harvest date and check it regularly. Remove any root that becomes soft, mouldy, split, leaking, or rotten before it affects others. Tops and roots have different storage lives, so never leave the edible foliage attached to beets intended for keeping.