How to Grow Cylindra Beets

Beets are a versatile and nutritious root vegetable that can be easily grown in your garden. One variety that is worth mentioning is the Cylindra Beet. With its unique cylindrical shape and sweet flavor, Cylindra beets are a favorite among gardeners. In this article, we will discuss everything you need to know to successfully grow Cylindra beets in your own backyard.

Table of Contents

When to Start Cylindra Beets

If you’re wondering when to start growing your Cylindra Beets, the answer is early spring. These beets thrive in cooler temperatures and can tolerate light frosts, making them an excellent early season crop. It’s best to sow the seeds as soon as the ground can be worked in spring.

One of the advantages of planting Cylindra Beets early in the season is that they have a long growing period, typically taking around 60-70 days to reach maturity. This extended growth time allows the beets to develop their unique cylindrical shape and rich, earthy flavor to their fullest potential. Additionally, starting them early gives you a head start on harvesting before the heat of summer, which can cause the beets to become woody and less sweet.

When planting Cylindra Beets, ensure that the soil is well-draining and rich in organic matter to promote healthy root development. These beets prefer full sun but can tolerate partial shade, especially in hotter climates. Regular watering is essential, aiming to keep the soil consistently moist but not waterlogged. Consider using a layer of mulch to help retain soil moisture and suppress weed growth around the beet plants.

How to Grow Cylindra Beets From Seed

Before planting Cylindra beet seeds, prepare your soil by removing any weeds and adding organic matter such as compost or aged manure. This will help improve the soil’s fertility and drainage.

Cylindra beets, also known as Formanova beets, are a unique variety of beetroot that grows in a cylindrical shape, making them ideal for slicing and pickling. These beets are not only delicious but also packed with nutrients like fiber, folate, and vitamin C.

Begin by creating furrows in your garden bed, spacing them about 12 inches apart. The furrows should be around 1 inch deep.
Next, sow the Cylindra beet seeds into the furrows, spacing them about 2 inches apart.
Lightly cover the seeds with soil and water gently to ensure good seed-to-soil contact.
Keep the soil consistently moist until the seeds germinate, which usually takes about 7 to 14 days.
Once the seedlings have emerged, thin them to a spacing of 4 to 6 inches apart. This will allow the beets to develop without overcrowding.

When selecting a planting location for your Cylindra beets, choose a spot that receives full sun for at least 6 hours a day. Beets thrive in well-draining soil with a pH level of 6.0 to 7.0. If your soil is too acidic, you can add lime to raise the pH level.

How and When to Transplant Cylindra Beets

In some cases, you might choose to start Cylindra beet seeds indoors and transplant the seedlings into your garden later. Transplanting can be beneficial if you want to get a head start on the growing season or have limited garden space.

Transplanting Cylindra beets is a delicate process that requires careful planning and execution. By starting the seeds indoors, you can control the early stages of growth and ensure a higher success rate when moving them to your garden.

Sow the Cylindra beet seeds in seed starting trays or containers filled with seed starting mix about 4 to 6 weeks before the last frost date.
Keep the seeds moist and provide adequate light to ensure healthy seedling growth.
Once the danger of frost has passed and the seedlings have developed their first true leaves, they are ready to be transplanted.
Dig holes in your garden bed that are slightly larger than the size of the root ball of the seedlings.
Gently remove the seedlings from their containers, being careful not to damage the delicate roots.
Place each seedling into a prepared hole and firm the soil around it.
Water the transplanted seedlings thoroughly to help them establish in their new surroundings.

When transplanting Cylindra beets, it’s essential to choose a sunny location with well-draining soil to promote healthy growth. Beets thrive in cool weather, so early spring or late summer transplanting is ideal for these root vegetables. Additionally, incorporating organic matter into the soil before transplanting can provide essential nutrients for the growing beets.

How to Plant Cylindra Beets – Spacing and Patterns

Spacing and patterns are important considerations when planting Cylindra beets. Proper spacing allows the roots to develop fully and prevents overcrowding that can lead to smaller beets.

Ideally, you should leave about 4 to 6 inches of space between each plant to allow room for the beets to grow. When it comes to planting patterns, you have a couple of options:

Row Planting: Planting the Cylindra beets in rows gives your garden a neat and organized look. Simply leave about 12 inches between each row.
Intensive Planting: Intensive planting involves grouping the beets closely together to maximize yields in a smaller space. Plant the beets in a grid pattern, with about 4 to 6 inches of space between each plant in all directions.

How Long to Grow Cylindra Beets

The typical growing time for Cylindra beets is around 55 to 70 days from planting to harvest. However, this can vary depending on growing conditions and desired beet size. You can start harvesting Cylindra beets as soon as they reach a size of about 1 to 2 inches in diameter, or you can wait for them to grow to their full size of 6 to 8 inches.

How to Water Cylindra Beets

Proper watering is crucial for the success of your Cylindra beets. These plants prefer consistent moisture and require around 1 inch of water per week. Here are some watering tips for Cylindra beets:

Water deeply once a week, ensuring the water reaches the root zone.
Avoid overwatering, as excessively wet soil can lead to rot and other diseases.
Monitor the soil moisture and adjust your watering schedule accordingly, especially during hot and dry periods.
Mulch the soil around the beets to help retain moisture and reduce weed growth.

How to Fertilize Cylindra Beets

Providing adequate nutrients to your Cylindra beet plants will help them grow healthy and produce abundant harvests. Before planting, incorporate a balanced fertilizer or compost into the soil to provide essential nutrients. Additionally, you can apply a side dressing of nitrogen-rich fertilizer, such as blood meal, when the beets are about 4 to 6 inches tall. This will boost their growth and promote the development of leafy greens.

Sunlight Requirements for Cylindra Beets

Cylindra beets thrive in full sun, which means they require at least 6 to 8 hours of direct sunlight each day. Find a location in your garden that receives the most sunlight, and that is not shaded by trees or tall structures. Adequate sunlight will ensure proper growth and help produce sweet and tender beets.

Soil Requirements for Cylindra Beets

Cylindra beets prefer well-draining soil that is rich in organic matter. Before planting, test your soil’s pH level, which should be between 6.5 and 7. Soil with a lower pH can be amended with lime to adjust it to the ideal range. Additionally, the soil should be loose and crumbly. If your soil is heavy or compacted, adding organic matter such as compost or aged manure will help improve its texture and fertility.

How to Grow Cylindra Beets Outdoors

Growing Cylindra beets outdoors is a straightforward process that requires proper soil preparation, planting, and maintenance. Follow these steps to successfully grow Cylindra beets in your garden:

Prepare the soil by removing any weeds and incorporating organic matter to improve fertility and drainage.
Create furrows in your garden bed, spacing them about 12 inches apart and making them around 1 inch deep.
Sow the Cylindra beet seeds into the furrows, spacing them about 2 inches apart.
Lightly cover the seeds with soil and water gently to ensure good seed-to-soil contact.
Keep the soil consistently moist until the seeds germinate.
Thin the seedlings to a spacing of 4 to 6 inches apart once they have emerged.
Water the beets consistently, providing around 1 inch of water per week.
Apply a side dressing of nitrogen-rich fertilizer when the beets are about 4 to 6 inches tall.
Monitor for pests and diseases and take appropriate action if necessary.
Harvest the beets when they reach the desired size.

How to Grow Cylindra Beets Indoors

If you have limited outdoor space or want to extend your growing season, growing Cylindra beets indoors is a great option. Follow these steps to successfully grow Cylindra beets indoors:

Start by filling seed starting trays or containers with seed starting mix.
Sow the Cylindra beet seeds about 4 to 6 weeks before the last frost date.
Keep the seeds moist and provide adequate light for healthy seedling growth.
Once the danger of frost has passed and the seedlings have developed their first true leaves, they are ready to be transplanted.
Choose a suitable container with drainage holes and fill it with well-draining potting soil.
Gently remove the seedlings from their containers, being careful not to damage the roots.
Place each seedling in the container and firm the soil around it.
Water the seedlings thoroughly and place them in a sunny location that receives at least 6 to 8 hours of sunlight per day.
Water the beets consistently, keeping the soil moist but not waterlogged.
Apply a liquid fertilizer according to the manufacturer’s instructions to provide the necessary nutrients.
Monitor for pests and diseases and take appropriate action if necessary.
Harvest the beets when they reach the desired size.

How to Grow Cylindra Beets In Containers and Pots

Cylindra beets can be successfully grown in containers and pots, making them an excellent choice for urban gardeners or those with limited space. Follow these steps to grow Cylindra beets in containers:

Choose a container or pot that is at least 12 inches deep and has drainage holes to ensure proper drainage.
Fill the container with well-draining potting soil, leaving about an inch of space at the top.
Make furrows in the soil, spacing them about 2 inches apart and making them around 1 inch deep.
Sow the Cylindra beet seeds into the furrows, spacing them about 2 inches apart.
Lightly cover the seeds with soil and water gently to ensure good seed-to-soil contact.
Place the container in a sunny location that receives at least 6 to 8 hours of direct sunlight each day.
Water the beets consistently, keeping the soil moist but not waterlogged.
Apply a liquid fertilizer according to the manufacturer’s instructions to provide the necessary nutrients.
Monitor for pests and diseases and take appropriate action if necessary.
Harvest the beets when they reach the desired size.

Cylindra Beets Companion Plants – What to Plant With & Not Plant With Cylindra Beets

Companion planting is a gardening technique that involves growing certain plants together to enhance growth, deter pests, and promote overall garden health. Here are some companion plants that can be grown with Cylindra beets:

Carrots: Carrots and beets make excellent companions, as they have similar growing requirements and do not compete for space.
Lettuce: Growing lettuce alongside beets can provide shade and help retain moisture in the soil.
Onions: Onions can help deter pests that are harmful to beets, such as aphids.
Cabbage Family Plants: Avoid planting beets with members of the cabbage family, such as broccoli and cabbage, as they have different nutrient requirements and can compete for resources.

Common Cylindra Beets Pests and Diseases

While Cylindra beets are generally resistant to pests and diseases, they can still fall victim to some common problems. Here are a few pests and diseases that you should watch out for:

Aphids: These small insects can be found on the undersides of leaves and suck the sap from plants. Use insecticidal soap or neem oil to control aphids.
Cabbage Maggots: The larvae of these flies burrow into the roots of beets and cause damage. Using row covers can help prevent infestations.
Leaf Miners: These pests tunnel between the layers of beet leaves, causing visible trails. Removing affected leaves can help control leaf miners.
Root Rot: Excessive soil moisture or poor drainage can lead to root rot in beets. To prevent this, ensure proper drainage and water accordingly.

How & When to Harvest Cylindra Beets

Harvesting Cylindra beets at the right time will ensure that you get the best flavor and texture. Here’s how and when to harvest your beets:

Harvesting Time: Cylindra beets can be harvested as soon as they reach a size of about 1 to 2 inches in diameter. However, if you prefer larger beets, you can wait for them to reach their full size of 6 to 8 inches. Avoid leaving the beets in the ground for too long, as they can become tough and woody.
Harvesting Technique: To harvest your beets, gently loosen the soil around the beet with a garden fork or trowel. Hold the beet by the greens and lift it out of the ground, being careful not to damage the roots. Trim off the greens, leaving about an inch of the stems attached to the beet.

How to Store & Preserve Cylindra Beets

Proper storage is essential to prolong the shelf life of your harvested Cylindra beets. Here are some tips to help you store and preserve your beets:

Remove the greens: Before storing, cut off the beet greens, leaving about an inch of the stems attached to the beet. This helps prevent moisture loss.
Wash the beets: Rinse off any dirt or debris from the beets, but avoid scrubbing them, as this can damage the skin.
Dry the beets: Allow the beets to air dry or pat them gently with a towel.
Choose a storage method: You have multiple options for storing Cylindra beets. You can store them in a cool and dark place, such as a root cellar or refrigerator. Alternatively, you can also store them in a container filled with damp sand or peat moss.
Monitor regularly: Check on your stored beets regularly to ensure that they are still in good condition. Remove any beets that show signs of spoilage to prevent the spread to other beets.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Can Cylindra beets be grown in containers or pots?

A: Yes, Cylindra beets can be successfully grown in containers and pots, making them an excellent option for those with limited space or for urban gardeners.

Q: How long does it take for Cylindra beets to grow?

A: Cylindra beets typically take around 55 to 70 days from planting to harvest, but the growing time can vary depending on growing conditions and desired beet size.

Q: Can I eat the beet greens?

A: Yes, beet greens are edible and nutritious. They can be used in salads, sautéed, or added to soups and stir-fries.

Now that you have the knowledge to grow Cylindra beets successfully, it’s time to get your hands dirty and start planting. With a little care and attention, you’ll soon be enjoying the sweet and tender taste of homegrown Cylindra beets in your favorite dishes!

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