Bulls blood is a popular Heirloom variety of beet since the Victorian times. Like many other beets, Bulls Blood is a relatively low maintenance plant. It is primarily grown for its tender, sweet, deep red-burgundy foliage which can reach 40 cm (16") high with a spread of 30 cm (12”). This crop can be used at any stage of growth, harvest the leaves for baby leaf, in mixed salads, or use steamed like spinach, and of course, the delicious beets that are best harvested at the 5-7 cm, (2-3") size.
Growing Instructions:
Direct sow seeds as soon as soil can be worked in the spring, and again in late summer for a fall crop. Select a location that receives full sun to partial shade. Sow seeds 1-2cm (½-1”) deep, spaced 5-10cm (2-4”) apart in rows spaced 30-45cm (12-18”) apart. Keep soil evenly moist to promote germination. Seeds should sprout in 7-14 days. Thin seedlings to 10-15cm (4-6”) apart when they are 5-7cm (2-3”) tall. Beets prefer well-drained soil that is fertile and has a pH between 6.0 and 7.5. Fertilize with a balanced fertilizer before planting and again after thinning. Beets can be harvested when the roots are about 5cm (2”) in diameter, but they will continue to grow if left in the ground. Beets typically reach maturity in 55-70 days.
Soil Conditions: Well-drained soil that is fertile. Soil pH: 6.0-7.5 Planting Depth: Sow seeds 1-2cm (½-1”) deep. Germination: 7-14 days. Height at Maturity: 20-30cm (8-12”) tall. Days to Maturity: 55-70 days. Watering: Keep soil evenly moist. Sun/Shade: Full sun to partial shade. Spacing after Thinning: Thin seedlings to 10-15cm (4-6”) apart.