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Biennial table beet grown as an annual Amaranthaceae

Organic root vegetable seeds

Organic ‘Formanova’ beet (Beta vulgaris)

Name: Organic ‘Formanova’ beet ( Beta vulgaris )
Brand: Biologiquement vôtre
SKU: BIOV-SEMENCES
Price: 4.49 CAD
Availability: InStock

Beta vulgaris subsp. vulgaris

Product code : BIOVO-0185

Organic ‘Formanova’ beet, Beta vulgaris, produces long cylindrical dark-red roots also called “Cylindra.” This product contains approximately 100 organic seeds. The narrow shape provides even slices for pickling, preserving, roasting, and steaming. Direct-sow 1 or 2 cm deep in deep loose stone-free well-drained soil. Every seed cluster may produce several seedlings; thin to 10 or 15 cm with scissors. Grow in sun or partial shade and maintain steady moisture. Begin checking length and diameter within the indicative 55-to-70-day range, then harvest before roots become fibrous. Young sound tops are edible when removed in moderation without stripping the growing plant. Harvest roots gently to avoid bruising their smooth skin.

Quantity: Approximately 100 organic seeds
Exposure: Sun to partial shade
Life cycle: Biennial, generally harvested in the first year

Common name‘Formanova’ beet, ‘Cylindra’ beet, cylindrical beet

FamilyAmaranthaceae

GenusBeta

Speciesvulgaris subsp. vulgaris

CultivarFormanova

TypeBiennial table beet grown as an annual

Botanical nameBeta vulgaris subsp. vulgaris

Organic ‘Formanova’ beet (Beta vulgaris) is a long cylindrical beet also known as ‘Cylindra’. Unlike round beets, it develops a long dark-red cylindrical root that produces regular slices for cooking, canning, and pickling. Its flesh is valued for a tender texture and mild earthy sweetness. Young tops may also be cooked as greens. Grown as an annual garden crop, this cool-season beet generally reaches maturity in approximately 55 to 70 days, depending on temperature, soil, spacing, and desired diameter. Its distinctive shape makes careful soil preparation especially important because stones and compaction can bend or fork the developing root.

Direct-sow two to four weeks before last frost as soon as soil can be worked. Place clusters approximately 1 or 2 cm deep and maintain steady moisture during emergence. Because one cluster may produce several seedlings, thin with scissors to retain approximately 10 to 15 cm between plants so the long roots have enough room. Choose a sunny or lightly shaded location with deep loose stone-free soil enriched with mature compost and drained well. Avoid fresh manure, unnecessary transplanting, and excessive nitrogen, which encourages tops instead of roots. Successive sowings may be made while enough cool-season growing time remains for roots to size before hard freezing.

Begin checking roots near 55 days without treating that reference as a guarantee. Expose one shoulder gently and harvest when the root reaches the desired diameter and length, before texture becomes fibrous. Regular irrigation supports even growth and reduces cracking. Lift roots while soil is slightly moist, trim tops while leaving a short stem, then refrigerate roots and leaves separately. Monitor leaf miners, slugs, and foliar spots; remove affected tissue and encourage airflow. Successive sowings extend harvest from spring into fall. Use only clean sound roots and greens, and discard produce showing rot, contamination, or an uncertain storage history.

Sowing guide

It all startswith a seed.

Sowing depth

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

Spacing / density

Thin to approximately 10 to 15 cm (4 to 6 in)

Germination temperature

Cool soil at least approximately 5 to 10°C

Germination time

Approximately 5 to 14 days depending on temperature

Sowing period

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

Propagation

Direct sowing

Growing method

Direct-sow ‘Formanova’ 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 10 or 15 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 55-to-70-day reference as a guarantee. Retain the exact ‘Formanova’ label. Inspect both leaf surfaces weekly. When tops grow without root enlargement, check spacing, light, and nitrogen before adding anything. Harvest into shade, clean tools after diseased plants, and keep top and root batches separate. Keep soil evenly moist while the cylindrical roots lengthen and keep every row clearly labelled.

Soil and care

The right care,at the right time.

Soil pH

Approximately 6.0 to 8.0

Care level

Easy

Watering

Keep soil evenly moist from germination through full root enlargement. Water deeply at soil level as the surface begins drying. Alternating drought and excess water may slow growth, split, or deform the long cylindrical 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

‘Formanova’ needs deep loose finely prepared soil so its cylindrical root can lengthen without bending or forking. Remove stones, large clods, and debris, then incorporate well-matured compost before sowing. Soil should retain steady moisture while draining excess water promptly. A raised bed or deep container improves results in heavy ground. Avoid fresh manure, which may deform roots, and do not compact the surface after sowing. A pH near 6.0 to 8.0 generally suits beets. Renew organic matter between crops and rotate away from related chard and beet plantings when disease pressure has been significant.

Fertilization

Work a moderate amount of mature compost into the soil before sowing to support structure and steady nutrition. In already fertile ground, no heavy feeding is needed. When growth remains weak after checking irrigation, light, and spacing, use a balanced organic fertilizer at a low labelled rate. Avoid excess nitrogen, which produces abundant tops at the expense of long cylindrical roots. Do not use fresh manure and never place concentrated fertilizer against seedlings or onto dry soil. A soil test remains the best basis for correcting a genuine deficiency. Stop feeding late in the crop and judge readiness from root development rather than leaf size alone.

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.

Seasonal care

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 10 or 15 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. Begin measuring roots around the 55-to-70-day reference. 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. Sanitize harvest containers and store unused seed cool, dry, and clearly labelled. Before the next sowing, review root length, tenderness, watering, pests, and the dates that produced the straightest harvest.

Container growing

A garden,within reach.

Recommended pot size

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

Choose a container at least 25 to 30 cm (10 to 12 in) deep with many drainage holes. Fill with loose fertile well-drained mix free of large clods. Sow clusters 1 or 2 cm deep, then thin with scissors to 10 or 15 cm. Place in sun or bright partial shade. Keep mix evenly moist; during heat, check daily and always empty the saucer. Mulch lightly without covering the crown. Avoid nitrogen-rich feeding that favours tops over roots. Inspect leaves for miners and spots. Remove few tops when full roots are desired. Begin checking diameter around the 55-to-70-day reference, then harvest according to observed size. Lift gently rather than pulling by leaves. For fall, move the pot beside a sheltered wall or use row cover. After harvest, clean the container, compost only healthy tissue, and renew mix before another beet crop. Keep roots shaded and cool promptly. After heavy rain, verify drainage and keep mulch from covering root shoulders. When the container fills with tops, thin plants instead of feeding more. Record diameter and harvest date to improve the next sowing. Keep pots away from crops with substantial leaf disease and clean tools before lifting roots. After every harvest, cool sound tops promptly and keep lifted roots shaded until refrigeration.

Bloom and dimensions

Its place,in your garden.

Mature height

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

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

Bloom period

Beet is biennial but is normally harvested as a root vegetable during its first season. When a sound root overwinters and receives a cold period, a branched flower stalk may appear in the second year. It carries small inconspicuous greenish flowers. Bolting generally makes roots and leaves less tender. To favour culinary harvest, remove any premature stalk and maintain steady moisture throughout root enlargement.

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 55 to 70 days; harvest according to length and diameter

Harvest

Approximately 55 to 70 days; harvest according to desired diameter and length

Garden associations

In goodcompany.

Companion plants

No specific companion plant is confirmed for this product. ‘Formanova’ can nevertheless grow near other vegetables that prefer deep, loose, consistently moist soil when every crop receives suitable care. Maintain 10–15 cm between beets grown for their long 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.

Recipe idea

From the gardento your plate.

Edible parts

Roots, young leaves, and stalks

Roasted ‘Formanova’ beets with sautéed tops — Preheat the oven to 200°C (400°F). Rinse six small correctly identified beets, trim tops while leaving approximately 2 cm of stem, then retain only healthy leaves. Wrap roots in foil or place in a covered dish with one tablespoon water. Cook for 35 to 60 minutes depending on diameter until a knife enters easily. Cool slightly, peel, and cut. Meanwhile, rinse tops, chop stalks, and cook them in a skillet with one tablespoon oil for three minutes. Add leaves and continue until tender. Season separately. Use only tissue free from spots, rot, or contamination. Refrigerate leftovers within two hours. This recipe is culinary and makes no medical claim. Anyone following specific dietary restrictions should adapt portions with qualified guidance. Reheat leftovers thoroughly and discard food with an unusual odour or uncertain storage history. Keep roots and tops refrigerated separately before preparation because their storage lives differ.

Frequently asked questions

Your questions,answered.

Why choose ‘Formanova’ beet for a home garden?

‘Formanova’ stands out for its long dark-red cylindrical root, which makes it practical for preparing even slices. The variety also produces edible tops when they are young and sound. Its indicative 55-to-70-day range allows checking to begin during the season, but length, diameter, and tenderness remain the best harvest criteria. Deep loose stone-free soil and thinning to 10 or 15 cm encourage straight roots. The crop suits successive rows, raised beds, and deep containers. Prompt cooling after lifting helps roots and tops retain their separate qualities during longer refrigerated storage. For best results, maintain consistent moisture and thin early to encourage straight roots.

Why do several seedlings emerge from one beet cluster?

A beet “seed” is often a corky cluster containing several flowers and potential seeds. Two or more seedlings may therefore emerge in one place. Wait for first true leaves, then use small clean scissors to cut excess seedlings at soil level. Retain the strongest and space plants approximately 10 or 15 cm apart for roots. Pulling seedlings may disturb neighbouring roots and deform the crop. Water after thinning and keep soil moist. Cut young leaves may be used only when healthy, clean, and sufficiently developed. Do not compensate for an overcrowded row with more fertilizer: space and light are essential. Record cluster emergence when evaluating germination so several seedlings are not counted as several sown units.

When is ‘Formanova’ beet ready to harvest?

Begin checking roots within the indicative 55-to-70-day range, then harvest according to desired length, diameter, and texture. Expose one root shoulder gently without injuring it. Young roots are often tender; lift one sample while soil is slightly moist and taste it before harvesting the whole row. A root left too long may become fibrous, while dry ground slows lengthening. After harvest, trim tops while leaving a short stem, keep roots shaded, and refrigerate both parts separately. Record the date and dimensions to adjust later sowings without treating the day range as a guarantee. Inspect every root for damage before storage.

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?

Separate tops from roots at harvest while leaving approximately 2 cm of stem without cutting the root itself. This limits water loss. Place clean tops in a ventilated refrigerator container and use within several days. Brush soil from roots gently without injury; wash immediately before use when storing for a long period. Keep roots cold at high humidity in a perforated or suitable container. One university guide indicates that beets may keep for several months under good conditions, but actual duration depends on temperature, humidity, and initial quality. Discard every soft, mouldy, rotting split, or contaminated root. Label batches with the date. Inspect stored roots regularly and remove deteriorating ones before they affect neighbouring produce.

Wildlife and pets

Life,around your plants.

Supporting wildlife

Organic ‘Formanova’ beet is grown primarily for harvest. When several plants reach bloom, their flowers may receive small bees, hoverflies, and other insects. This contribution remains secondary and varies with flowering duration, weather, and neighbouring crops. Avoid treatments while insects are actively visiting and retain only healthy flowering specimens away from the main harvest.