(50 days) Completely white roots, very sweet. This unusual beet makes an attractive addition to meals, and you never have to worry about staining.
(55 – 60 days) Since 1840. This English heirloom is extremely rare, with spectacular dark purple-red leaves and dark red roots. Leaves are very sweet, and root is sweet when young. taste. Very cold-hardy. (80 seeds)
(55 days) I have fallen in love with this beet ! An Italian heirloom, named for the town of Chiogga, that not only has an absolutely delicious, sweet taste, but when sliced it shows concentric red and white rings of colour. Doesn’t bleed. Beautiful in any dish.
NEW FOR 2008! This is a very old, very rare beet that was loved by market growers because its root is rather flat instead of round and it sits primarily on the soil. This meant that it could grow in cold frames much more easily than regular-shaped beets and taken to market much earlier. Peter Henderson, market grower extraordinaire in the late 1800’s, had this to say about it –“from the smallness of the tops at least one-fourth more can be grown on the same space than any other sort we have been in the habit of raising.” This seed is untreated, as I have been unable to find it in organic status and it's just too special to not carry it.
1880’s. (56-60 days) Deep red, cylindrical-shaped roots are sweet, easy to peel and good for both slicing and canning. The leaves are attractively red-veined.
(45 – 70 days) 1892. Medium sized (2-3”) beet, dark red skin. A traditional favourite, it is great for both canning and storage.
(40 - 60 days) From 1911. One of the earliest maturing beets. Smooth-skinned ball-shaped root, and tender, tasty greens as well.
(55-60 days) Dating from the 1820’s, this rare beet has golden yellow roots that are very sweet. They stay golden when cooked and do not bleed – hence they are much sought after by gourmet chefs. This beet produces less seeds and has a lower germination rate than other beets, which explains its rarity.
Unlike the modern beets that we’re used to, heirloom beets come in a diversity of colours and shapes. Included here are four of our most popular and visually interesting varieties: Golden (yellow root), Chioggia (red & white concentric rings inside, Bull’s Blood (grown for its exquisite dark burgundy foliage) and Cylindra (long, narrow roots). This mixture enables you to experiment and try them all!
