Beetroot Cylindra Seeds, average packet contents :  200 seeds

Beetroot Cylindra as the name suggests produces a long, slim, cylindrical shaped beetroot, with a dark red colour to both the outer smooth skin and the inner sweet tasting flesh. This is the variety to grow for slicing.

This is one of our favourites - on our plot this is the main variety we use, sow little and often, and you will be picking the roots over several months from July onwards.

General Beetroot Growing Tips

Beetroot is an easy crop to grow. The roots are best picked when young and cooked fresh. Pickling is another option. If roots are stored in winter you can have beetroot almost all year round.

• Sow Beetroot from early march under cloches, or if sowing in the open from mid-April to July for a regular supply of tasty roots. Sowings made from June onwards can be also be used for storing for winter use.
• Alternatively, sow into large cell trays and plant out when ready.
• If sowing direct in the ground, sow approx 2cm deep with a 10cm spacing in the rows, the rows should be around 30cm apart.
• Dry soil will lead to woody roots, so water well and make sure the soil is always moist.
• Protect early seedlings with fleece if a cold spell is forecast. Young beetroot plants are sensitive to cold and could bolt to seed early. There are bolt resistant varieties available and these should be your first choice for early sowings.
• Feed every other week.
• Do not let the beetroot get too big as this will reduce taste and quality.