Bull's Blood Beet: Vibrant Leaves and Flavorful Roots
Bull's Blood Beet (Beta vulgaris), offered by OSC Seeds
The 'Bull's Blood' beet, a heritage variety introduced in 1840, is renowned for its deep red leaves reaching 13 cm, perfect for adding vibrant color and crisp flavor to salads. Its globe-shaped roots, measuring 5 to 7.5 cm, feature intriguing red and white zoning. Harvest roots when small for optimal quality.
Spread: Final spacing of 7 to 10 cm after thinning
Plant height: 30 to 45 cm (foliage)
Packet size: Approximately 200 seeds
Companion plants: Carrots, lettuce, onions
Incompatible plants: Spinach, potatoes
How to Grow:
Sow seeds 1.2 cm deep and 2.5 cm apart in rows spaced 30 to 45 cm. For continuous harvests, sow every two weeks once the soil reaches 7°C until mid-July. Thin seedlings to 7–10 cm to allow proper root growth, and use thinned plants as tender greens. Maintain balanced moisture to avoid small or pale roots. Germination takes 7 to 10 days.
The 'Bull's Blood' beet is perfect for gardeners seeking both aesthetic appeal and culinary delight, providing tasty roots and decorative foliage.