50-55 Days to maturity. Beta vulgaris. Organic Ruby Queen Beet Seeds. Non-GMO, cool weather annual, organic, heirloom, open-pollinated, AAS winner 1957. This delicious multi-use beet can be used for the greens as well as the bulbs when fully grown. These organic, sweet-tasting beets are easy to grow and are the perfect choice for the home gardener. Ruby Queen is ideal for northern gardens because it can withstand near-freezing temperatures for early or late planting. ~1,200 seeds/oz. Download Free Vegetable Growing Guide PDF Latin Name: Beta vulgaris Hardiness Zone: Annual; Zone 2-10 Days to Maturity: 50-55 days Days to Germination: 5-14 Days Seeding Depth: 0.5 inches Plant Spacing: 3-6 inches Plant Width: 4-12 inches Row Spacing: 12-18 inches Plant Height: Up to 24 inches Growth Habit: The bulbs typically grow to be 3-4 inches wide. The leaves sprawl out from the top of the bulb and look like kale. Soil Preference: Evenly moist, fertile soil with a pH of 6.0-7.0. Temperature Preference: 50-80F Light Preference: Full Sun to Shade Pests and Disease: The most common pests that affect beets are leafhoppers, flea beetles, and leaf miners. Remove infected leaves promptly and spray with neem oil or use another control method. Scab is the only common disease and is easily prevented with proper soil health (good pH levels and crop rotations). Watch out for mice, gophers, and voles, which can target young beet plants. Organic Ruby Queen Beet Color: Green leaves and red stems. The bulb is classic beet red on the inside and outside. Organic Ruby Queen Beet Flavor: Classic, sweet, earthy beet flavor with particular tenderness. Growing Non-GMO Organic Ruby Queen Beet Vegetable Seeds Only direct sowing is recommended as transplantation can damage the taproot and bulb. Plant seeds in the spacing provided and also apply a slow-release fertilizer. Water the seed heavily. It is essential to avoid extremes in moisture or temperature to avoid premature bolting and tough bulb texture. Vermiculite or other amendments may be useful in maintaining soil moisture consistency. Due to the quick days to maturity, many gardeners can plant two or three successive crops to have fresh beets and beet greens all summer and into the fall. Plant as late as 30 days before the first frost and harvest for baby beets and greens. Keep the area well-weeded, especially near the roots. Watch for pests closely and act swiftly when an infestation begins. Organic Ruby Queen Beet in the Vegetable Garden Organic Ruby Queen Beets are a valuable vegetable companion plant. Companion plant beets with onions, latticed beans, and radishes to make the most of a garden space. Harvesting Organic Ruby Queen Beet Beet greens can be harvested as small as 3-4 inches tall. Harvest the bulbs when desired. The smaller they are, the more tender. The longer they grow, the most fibrous they become. This variety is most typically harvested when the bulb is around 3-4 inches wide. At that point, the greens are typically not as good to eat but may be cooked to make them softer. Store beetroots or greens in the refrigerator until ready to consume. About Organic Ruby Queen Beet Garden Seeds Beets are eaten fresh, roasted, pickled, and more. The strong earthy flavor is a favorite of many for salads, smoothies, and snacks. No matter how they are eaten, they add a shocking red or pink color to the dish! Beets can also be stored in the ground in temperate climates with a layer of straw for protection. As long as soil temperatures stay above 25F, they can remain in place. They should be harvested if temperatures are predicted to drop below 25F. Beet greens contain high amounts of fiber, calcium, vitamin A, and potassium which are all essential to our bodies’ functions. Beet roots are famously good for heart health. They contain a phytochemical compound, glycine betaine, which is directly linked with reducing heart attacks, blood clots, and plaque build up. Stories From Our Gardeners "I have never personally been a fan of the earthy taste of beets, but they are very nostalgic for me. They always remind me of my sister because she absolutely loves them! She will eat them straight from the garden, can, or jar with a fork." - Lara Wadsworth, True Leaf Market Writer Organic Ruby Queen Beet Seeds Per Package: 0.25 oz - Wholesale - Approximately 180 Seeds 1 oz - Wholesale - Approximately 1,200 Seeds 4 oz - Bulk Seeds - Approximately 4,800 Seeds 1 lb - Bulk Seeds - Approximately 19,200 Seeds 5 lb - Bulk Seeds - Approximately 96,000 Seeds 25 lb - Bulk Seeds - Approximately 480,000 Seeds Non-GMO Organic Ruby Queen Beet seeds are available for Fast Free Shipping on qualifying orders.