Early Wonder Beets

Beta vulgaris ‘Early Wonder’

Characteristics

Culture

Early Wonder Beets are an open-pollinated, heirloom beet variety that dates back to 1811. This beet variety produces purplish-red 2-3″ globe shaped roots that are great eaten fresh, pickled or canned. Also known as “Tall Top” Beet, this variety produces tall, tender greens that are delicious to eat! These greens make a great substitute for chard and other greens. Beets may be direct seeded or grown as transplants. Beet seeds are naturally multi-germ, which means that each seed will germinate 2-3 plants. As a result, plants will require thinning once they emerge from the soil. Failure to thin will result in overcrowding and lack of consistently sized roots. Plants should be thinned to one every 3-4″ along the row. Harvest beets when roots have reached 3-4″ in size. 

Noteworthy Characteristics

Early Wonder beets are an early-maturing variety that will produce harvestable beets and tops 5-10 days earlier than most standard varieties.  They are also excellent as baby beets.

Problems

Keep beets well-irrigated to prevent scab, the same disorder that affects potatoes, causing raised brown rough spots on the mature roots. Internal breakdown or browning is most likely to occur in alkaline soils after prolonged hot, dry periods. This is caused by a boron deficiency. Click here for more information about disease issues and pests.

Uses

The roots of Early Wonder Beets taste great eaten fresh, pickled and canned. The bright, glossy green, red-veined tops are excellent fresh in salads.