Beet Seeds - Crosby Egyptian

Name: Beet Seeds - Crosby Egyptian
Brand: Alliance of Native Seedkeepers
SKU: BT12
Price: 2.0 USD
Availability: InStock

Early-maturing heirloom beet with smooth, deep-red roots and tender greens ideal for home gardens.

Alliance of Native Seedkeepers | SKU: BT12

Sustainability features Details

1-Year Warranty Details

Non-GMO / BE Policy Details

— seeds / pkt

Description

Discover the vibrant allure of the Crosby Egyptian Beet, a cherished heirloom variety known for its rich, deep red roots and exceptional sweetness. This organic cultivar thrives in a variety of soil types, reaching maturity in approximately 55 to 60 days. Its roots are typically flat and globe-shaped, measuring about 3 to 4 inches in diameter, making them ideal for a range of culinary applications from roasting to pickling.

The Crosby Egyptian Beet is celebrated for its dark green, glossy leaves that can be harvested young for salads or allowed to mature for sautéing, adding a nutritious touch to any meal. This beet variety is not only a visual delight but also a nutritional powerhouse, rich in vitamins and minerals. Its earthy sweetness and tender texture make it a versatile addition to your kitchen garden.

Whether you're an experienced gardener or a novice, the Crosby Egyptian Beet offers a reliable yield with minimal care. Its resilience to bolting and adaptability to different climates make it a staple for any organic vegetable plot. Cultivate this classic beet variety and enjoy its robust flavor and vibrant color in your dishes throughout the growing season.

$2⁰⁰ USD

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Minimum Seed Count

200

Life Cycle

Biennial

Scientific Name

Beta vulgaris subsp. vulgaris

Maturity

50-59 Days (from transplant)

Grow Location

In-ground bed, Raised bed, High Tunnel, Community garden, Greenhouse

Non-GMO Safe Seed Pledge

Common Pests & Problems — 'Crosby Egyptian' Beet (Beta vulgaris)Insects & MitesFlea Beetles (small holes in leaves, reduced growth)Controls: Use floating row covers to protect young plants. Apply diatomaceous earth around seedlings. Encourage beneficial insects like predatory beetles and spiders by maintaining diverse plantings.Leaf Miners (serpentine trails on leaves)Controls: Remove and destroy affected leaves to interrupt the lifecycle. Introduce parasitic wasps (Diglyphus isaea) to control populations. Use neem oil as a preventive spray on young foliage.DiseasesCercospora Leaf Spot (Cercospora beticola) (small, circular spots with tan centers and purple borders)Controls: Rotate crops with non-host plants like corn or beans. Apply copper-based fungicides at the first sign of disease. Ensure good air circulation by spacing plants appropriately.Downy Mildew (Peronospora farinosa) (yellow patches on leaves, white downy growth on undersides)Controls: Use resistant varieties when available. Water plants at the base to avoid wetting foliage. Apply fungicides containing phosphorous acid as a preventive measure.Physiological & Environmental IssuesBolting (premature flowering due to temperature fluctuations)Controls: Plant in early spring or late summer to avoid temperature extremes. Mulch to maintain consistent soil moisture and temperature. Select bolt-resistant varieties for areas with variable climates.Root Cracking (irregular watering, rapid growth)Controls: Maintain consistent soil moisture with regular watering. Avoid excessive nitrogen fertilization which can promote rapid growth. Harvest beets promptly once they reach maturity.Monitoring & Prevention — Quick Checklist- Inspect plants regularly for signs of flea beetles and leaf miners.- Remove and destroy infected leaves to manage leaf spot and downy mildew.- Use row covers and mulches to protect against environmental stressors.- Rotate crops annually to prevent disease buildup.- Encourage beneficial insects through companion planting.

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Crosby Egyptian Beet, a storied heirloom variety, traces its roots back to the fertile banks of the Nile, where the beet's ancestors were first cultivated by ancient Egyptians. This particular variety, however, owes its name and refinement to the 19th-century American horticulturist Josiah Crosby, who, in the 1860s, developed it in Massachusetts. The name \"Egyptian\" pays homage to the beet's distant lineage, while \"Crosby\" honors the man who perfected its cultivation for the modern world.For centuries, beets have been a staple in diets across the globe, valued for their earthy sweetness and vibrant color. In ancient Egypt, beets were prized not only as a food source but also for their medicinal properties. They were believed to purify the blood and aid in digestion, and their leaves were used in poultices to heal wounds. The deep red color of the beetroot was also associated with life and rebirth, making it a symbolically significant plant in Egyptian culture.The Crosby Egyptian Beet, with its smooth, flat, globe-shaped roots and tender, sweet flesh, became a favorite among American gardeners and farmers in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Its ability to mature quickly and store well through the winter months made it an essential crop for both sustenance and economic stability. During this time, beets were often pickled or used in soups and stews, providing a hearty meal during the colder seasons.As the world moved into the 21st century, the Crosby Egyptian Beet experienced a renaissance among organic farmers and heirloom enthusiasts. Its robust flavor and historical significance have made it a cherished variety in community gardens and farmers' markets. The beet's resurgence is part of a broader movement to preserve agricultural biodiversity and celebrate the culinary traditions of the past.Botanically, the Crosby Egyptian Beet belongs to the species Beta vulgaris, a member of the Amaranthaceae family. Its lineage is shared with other beet varieties, including sugar beets and chard, yet its distinctive characteristics—such as its rapid growth and rich, dark flesh—set it apart as a unique cultivar.While modern hybrids and genetically modified crops have emerged in the agricultural landscape, the Crosby Egyptian Beet remains a testament to the enduring legacy of traditional plant breeding. It is a living artifact of agricultural history, connecting contemporary growers to a lineage that spans continents and millennia. Cultivating this beet today is not just an act of gardening but a participation in a narrative that honors both its ancient origins and the innovative spirit of those who have carried its seeds through generations.

Shipped from U.S.A.

Our seeds are grown and sourced from the US. They're then packed and shipped from Colerain NC.

Triple tested

We regularly test the quality and germination rate of our seeds. We're so confident that our seeds are backed by a 1 year warranty!

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