Harvesting cylindra beets at the right time and in the right way is crucial to ensuring you get the best yield from your garden. These elongated, cylindrical beets are known for their sweet flavor and smooth texture, making them a favorite among gardeners and cooks alike. But how do you know when it’s time to harvest? And what’s the best way to do it? Let’s dive in and find out.
Understanding Cylindra Beets
Before we get into the specifics of harvesting, it’s important to understand a bit more about cylindra beets themselves. These unique beets, also known as “Formanova” beets, are a variety of Beta vulgaris, the common beet. They’re known for their long, cylindrical shape, which can grow up to 8 inches in length, and their deep red color.
One of the main advantages of cylindra beets is their uniform shape, which makes them perfect for slicing into even pieces. This is why they’re often favored by chefs and home cooks. Plus, they have a high sugar content, which gives them a deliciously sweet flavor.
Planting Cylindra Beets
Like other beets, cylindra beets are cool-season crops, which means they prefer cooler temperatures. They’re typically planted in early spring or late summer for a fall harvest. According to the Old Farmer’s Almanac, beets should be planted as soon as the soil can be worked in the spring, or about 2 to 3 weeks before the last spring frost date.
When planting cylindra beets, it’s important to space them properly. Each beet seed is actually a cluster of 2 to 4 seeds, so you’ll need to thin the seedlings once they emerge to ensure each plant has enough room to grow. The University of Illinois Extension recommends thinning beet seedlings to about 3 to 4 inches apart.
Knowing When to Harvest
One of the most common questions gardeners have is when to harvest their cylindra beets. The answer depends on a few factors, including the size of the beets and the temperature.
Generally speaking, cylindra beets are ready to harvest when they’re about 1.5 to 2 inches in diameter, although they can be harvested earlier for baby beets. The Michigan State University Extension notes that beets can be harvested once they’re larger than a golf ball, but smaller than a tennis ball. However, keep in mind that larger beets may have a tougher texture.
Checking the Size
The easiest way to check the size of your beets is to gently move the soil away from the top of the beet. This will give you a good idea of the beet’s diameter. Remember, you’re aiming for a beet that’s about 1.5 to 2 inches in diameter.
It’s also important to note that the size of the beet can affect its flavor. Smaller beets tend to be sweeter and more tender, while larger beets can be more fibrous and less sweet. So, if you prefer a sweeter beet, it may be best to harvest earlier rather than later.
Monitoring the Temperature
Temperature can also play a role in when to harvest cylindra beets. As cool-season crops, beets prefer temperatures between 60 and 70 degrees Fahrenheit. If the temperature rises above 80 degrees, the beets may become woody and less flavorful.
Therefore, it’s a good idea to monitor the weather and plan your harvest accordingly. If a heat wave is predicted, you may want to harvest your beets early to ensure they don’t become tough and woody.
How to Harvest
Once you’ve determined that your cylindra beets are ready to harvest, the process is relatively straightforward. Here’s a step-by-step guide:
- Gently loosen the soil around the beet with a garden fork or trowel, being careful not to damage the beet.
- Grasp the beet greens close to the base and gently pull. The beet should come out of the ground relatively easily.
- Brush off any excess soil, but avoid washing the beets until you’re ready to use them. Washing can shorten their storage life.
- Cut off the beet greens, leaving about 1 inch of stem attached to the beet. This helps prevent the beet from “bleeding” and losing its color during storage.
Remember, beets can be stored in the refrigerator for several weeks, so don’t feel like you have to use them all at once. Just make sure to store them in a plastic bag in the crisper drawer to maintain their freshness.
Conclusion
Harvesting cylindra beets at the right time and in the right way can help you get the most out of your garden. By understanding the unique characteristics of these beets and monitoring their size and the temperature, you can ensure you’re harvesting them at the peak of their flavor and texture. Happy gardening!
Join Our Gardening Community
Ready to take your gardening skills to the next level? Subscribe for free to How to Grow Everything and learn how to build the garden of your dreams! Receive personalized advice and information tailored to your specific location, grow zone, and experience level. Enjoy the best gardening tips, special offers, and deals delivered straight to your inbox—100% free, with no spam, no tricks, just valuable insights. Join our family of gardening enthusiasts and start growing like a pro today!
