Beet TOUCHSTONE GOLD
Specialty Produce
55 days. If you liked our high-maintenance Golden Beet heirloom, you will adore easy-to-grow Touchstone. It has better germination, higher yield and a succulent, sweet taste second to none. Touchstone's beautiful pale orange exterior encases golden-orange, juicy-crisp flesh coveted by gourmets. Its smooth-skinned, uniform 4" globes are topped with vigorously growing light green tops that are so good, you could almost grow Touchstone for its tops alone.
Soil and Nutrient Requirements
Beets appreciate loose, well drained soils with acidity between 6.2 and 6.8, but they will tolerate 6.0-7.5 and a wide range of soil textures. Heavy clay soils can be helped by the addition of organic matter, but make sure it is well composted or it will increase the risk of scab.
Best quality arises from deeply cultivated raised beds, free of stones and debris. Fertilize with the ratio of 1-2-2 (N-P-K) seven days before seeding. 1-3 side dressings may be necessary. Beets can suffer from internal black spot if boron levels are inadequate. Use 1lb of boron per acre.
Details:
Plant Life cycle: annual
Site:full sun
Days to maturity : 55 days
Seeding Depth :½”-3/4”
Plant Spacing :2-4”
Row Spacing : 12-24"
Approx seed per pkt : 100 seeds
When to Sow
Direct seed as soon as soil can be worked in the spring, or up to 6-8 weeks before fall frost. Optimal soil temperature for germination is 55-75°F.
Other Considerations
Fluctuations in the weather can cause white zoning in the roots.
Keep beets well weeded. Beets fighting for space become tough and stringy.
Too much nitrogen can cause a lot of leaf growth at the expense of root development.
Harvest
Harvest when roots reach desired size. For winter storage, allow crop to stand for a few mild frosts, but harvest before a hard freeze. For beet greens, harvest starting around five weeks, or when leaves are ~3”. Use floating row covers to extend season.
Storage
Optimal storage conditions for roots are 32°F and 95% humidity, cut tops at 1” above crown, wash and let dry. Roots store well for up to 6 months. For best storage of greens, cool with water immediately after harvest and refrigerate in a plastic bag to retain moisture.