Description
'Early Wonder' beets, introduced in 1911, are an exceptional choice for gardeners looking for early production and abundant harvests. Ready for harvest in as little as 48 days, this variety produces smooth, slightly flattened roots measuring 1½”–2½” in diameter, along with delicious greens that grow to 18″ tall. Rich in vitamins A and C, iron, and potassium, both the greens and roots are packed with flavor. Particularly well-suited for cool spring soils, 'Early Wonder' is a reliable, high-yield variety for early harvests and multiple crops in mild climates.
This packet sows up to 30 feet. 90 seeds.
Variety Info:
Botanical Name: Beta vulgaris
Days to Maturity: 48 days
Family: Amaranthaceae
Native: Europe, Asia, and the Mediterranean region
Hardiness: Frost-tolerant biennial grown as an annual
Plant Dimensions: Leaf tops are 18″ tall
Variety Information: Smooth, 1 ½”–2 ½;” diameter with slightly flattened roots. Leaf tops are dark green on red stems. 'Early Wonder', introduced in 1911, is an excellent beet for both greens and roots, ready for harvest in as little as 40 days. Especially good in early spring due to its ability to grow in cool soils.
Sowing Info:
When to Sow Outside: RECOMMENDED. 2 to 4 weeks before your average last frost date, when soil temperature is at least 45°F, ideally 60°–85°F, for early summer crop. 6 to 8 weeks before your average first fall frost date for late summer/fall crop. Mild Climates: Sow fall through winter.
When to Start Inside: Not recommended. Root disturbance delays maturity.
Days to Emerge: 5 – 21 days
Seed Depth: ½”
Seed Spacing: 1 seed every 4″
Row Spacing: 12″
Thinning: When 2″ tall, thin to 1 every 4″
Growing Info:
Harvesting: For early spring sowings, harvest beets before summer heat. For late summer sowings, harvest before first heavy freeze. For winter sowings in mild climates, harvest in early spring. Harvest when roots are anywhere from 1″-3″ in diameter. The smaller they are, the more tender. Greens are most tender when small, so start harvesting when they are 2″ tall. You can take as much as one third of a beet plant's outer leaves without harming the root crop.
