Let's get this out of the way right from the start, Lutz is not a pretty beet. Perfectly round and “refined” it is not. However, nowhere in the world of beets is its common history with Swiss chard more apparent. Lutz is like a full-sized chard plant sitting on top of each beet! It has easily twice the greens of other “tall top” beet varieties. And the root can grow enormous while maintaining excellent eating quality. Very winter hardy and excellent for storage, Lutz has a devoted following and we have received requests for it nearly every year we’ve been in business. Once popular, now becoming somewhat rare. 65-70 days. UO
Seeds can be sown as soon as the soil can be worked in the spring (April) and into late July. Some people try to push the season even earlier by sowing in flats indoors and transplanting, but we are not those kinds of people. Direct seeding is strongly recommended.
Note: Beets prefer cooler ambient temperatures, light, sandy, and loamy soil, and an even watering schedule (do not let the soil dry out before emergence!). For baby beets and greens, seeds can be sown every 2 weeks until 2 months before your first projected heavy frost.
PLANTING DEPTH:
1/2"
SPACING:
6-8 seeds per linear foot, thinning to 2-3" between plants in rows 12-18" apart. Each seed is actually many seeds encapsulated in one package!
EMERGENCE:
5-10 days @ soil temp 55-75F
LIGHT:
Full sun to part shade
FERTILITY:
Low to medium. While beets do prefer well-prepared and fertile (to avoid scab, make sure any addition of organic matter is well composted) soil, they will tolerate lower fertility. Aim for a neutral to slightly alkaline soil with a pH between 6.0-7.0. Acidic soils (pH below 6.0) are a no no for beets!
Specific minerals needed for quality beets are boron (most common mineral deficiency in beets), calcium, potassium, and magnesium. Aim for 1-2-2 (N-P-K) fertilizer one week before sowing.
ADDITIONAL NOTES:
Remember that beets prefer cooler temperatures, even water, and space. Keep em weeded!
If you find that your beets are producing voluptuous greens and small roots, this means your soil is too heavy in Nitrogen.
Temperature fluctuations often causes zoning (white rings) in the roots.
