Mini beet  'Babybeat '
Beta Vulgaris
 
The best mini beet.
Babybeat is a true baby, which means that it is well-proportioned even when young. Unlike full-size beets harvested young, Babybeat forms a nice, round shape with a small taproot and smooth skin early in growth. The perfect size for cooking or steaming whole. Small, attractive tops.
 
Details:
Plant life cycle: hardy annual
Site: Full sun
Sow: 1/2-1" deep
Plant spacing : 2"
Row soacing :12-18" apart
Approx seeds per packet: 100
 
How to grow:
Direct seeding:Begin early sowings when soil has warmed to 45°F. Sow 15 seeds/ft. 1/2" deep, rows 12–18" apart. Thin to 1 plant per 2". For a continuous supply of greens and small tender beets, sow seed at 2-week intervals until 8 weeks before regular heavy frosts are expected.

Diseases: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. Rotate crops to prevent Cercospora leaf spot, which is especially important for bunching and baby-leaf beets.
 
Harvest and storage:Fork or undermine, lift plants, wash and hydrocool, and store bunches up to 10 days at 32°F (0°C) and 95% relative humidity.
 
Winter storage of roots:Sow about 10 weeks before heavy freeze is expected. Cut tops, wash, and store up to 6 months at 32°F (0°C) and 95% humidity.