Organic 'Green Top Bunching' beetroot is a reliable and nutritious variety , prized as much for its bright red, round roots as for its generous and flavorful green leaves . The tender, uniform roots are perfect for cooking , canning , pickling , or dicing, while the leaves can be harvested young or mature and used as a leafy green , like spinach or chard.
Organic 'Green Top Bunching' beetroot is a reliable and nutritious variety , prized as much for its bright red, round roots as for its generous and flavorful green leaves . The tender, uniform roots are perfect for cooking , canning , pickling , or dicing, while the leaves can be harvested young or mature and used as a leafy green , like spinach or chard.
This variety develops vigorous foliage that facilitates bunching, making it an excellent choice for home gardens and gardeners seeking a double yield of both root and foliage. The flesh is sweet and tender , without any pronounced bitterness, and retains a pleasant texture even after cooking. Well-suited to heavier soils and varying conditions, this beet tolerates light frosts and moderate heat .
Spread/Habit: Leafy rosette
Plant height: Approximately 30 to 40 cm
Seed producer: McKenzie
Seed type: Open pollination
Physical seed type: Organic seeds
Quantity per packet: Approximately 120 to 130 seeds
Special features: Dual use of roots and leaves, good tolerance to heavy soils
Root color: Bright red
Foliage color: Green
Texture/flavor: Soft and tender flesh, flavorful leaves
Tolerance: Light frosts, moderate heat, heavy soils
'Green Top Bunching' beetroot is sown directly outdoors as soon as the soil can be worked in spring. The ideal soil temperature for germination is between 10 and 29°C . Sow at a depth of 1.3 cm , then gently press down the soil to ensure good seed-to-soil contact. Germination usually occurs in 10 to 12 days .
Keep the soil consistently moist , but not waterlogged, especially during the first few weeks. When the seedlings are a few centimeters tall and have developed 2 to 3 true leaves , thin them out to maintain a spacing of about 8 cm between plants , with the seeds initially spaced about 2.5 cm apart. Beets prefer full sun but are tolerant of various soil conditions, provided the soil is well loosened .
Planting with brassicas , bush beans , cabbage , garlic , lettuce , onions , and kohlrabi is beneficial. Onions, in particular, help deter borers and cutworms . Avoid planting near climbing beans , which can hinder its growth.
Harvesting typically begins around 52 days after sowing , but the roots can be picked younger for an even more tender texture. The tops can be harvested gradually , without compromising root development, or used on their own in green vegetable dishes.
Regular watering, equivalent to 2.5 to 5 cm of water per week , helps prevent the roots from becoming fibrous. Moderate fertilization supports balanced growth, without excessive foliage at the expense of the roots.
The roots are perfect cooked, roasted, pickled, or preserved , while the leaves can be sautéed, used in soups, or served as a side dish , much like spinach. This variety is ideal for gardeners looking to maximize the use of each plant .
The organic 'Green Top Bunching' beetroot from seed producer McKenzie is a reliable choice for the vegetable garden , offering a versatile, nutritious and tasty harvest , easy to grow and perfectly suited to home gardens as well as successive crops.
