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MERLIN

MERLIN

Product Description:

55 days. A wonderfully uniform beet with dark green glossy leaves and round 3–4 inch red roots. Merlin really stands out in the flavor department due to its high sugar content. Serve roasted on their own or with other root crops for a dish that will surely warm the body and soul. Leaves make a tasty, nutritious addition to your fall salads. IR: C
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SEED

ORGANIC SEED

$4.35

$4.35

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Customer Reviews

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Pamela A.B.
New favorite beet

I ordered these for the first time based on the basic info provided by Territorial. My partner loves beets but doesn't want them to be other than deep, dark red - no white rings, no pink! We live in west-central MN and I plant in raised beds which are watered daily. I planted these on May 18th and the initial germination rate was probably 95%. I replanted in the ungerminated spots and got a 100% germination rate. The plants grew well. We blanch and freeze most of our beets for winter and early spring eating and these froze well. The ones we ate fresh were very sweet and flavorful - we just boil them, no added sugar or anything. We did pickle a few and they have been delicious, too. This is an excellent beet - nice size, deep, dark color and very sweet "beet" flavor. We will definitely grow these again next year.

Soil Temp for Germ 50–75°F
Seed Depth ½"
Seed Spacing 1"
Days to Emergence 5–17
Thin Plants to 3–4"
Row Spacing 12–16"
Fertilizer Needs Medium
Minimum Germination 75%
Seeds per Gram ≈ 30–75
Seed Life 2 years

Beta vulgaris This wholesome vegetable is doubly heart-healthy. The sweet, delicious roots contain high levels of glycine betaine. This phytochemical compound fights platelet clots and plaque formation in the arteries. Along with a wealth of potassium, calcium and vitamin A, hearty beet greens are rich in fiber, which may reduce the risk of coronary heart disease.

Days to maturity are calculated from date of direct seeding.

Culture
• Beets perform best in fertile, evenly moist soil with a pH of 6.0-7.0
• Uniform soil moisture is essential
• Sudden changes in temperature or soil moisture will increase zoning (ring formation in the root) and lead to premature bolting
• Transplanting not recommended as it can damage the tap root

Direct Sowing
• At the bottom of the furrow band 1 cup of TSC's Complete fertilizer per 10 row feet
• Cover seeds with sifted compost, loose soil, or vermiculite, and water evenly
• Use row cover when soil temperatures are cool and to protect from pests
• Sow June—August for a fall crop

Insects & Diseases
• Common insects: Leaf miners, flea beetles, and leaf hoppers
• Insect control: Pick off affected leaves and check for eggs—if found, spray with Pyrethrin
• Common diseases: Scab
• Disease prevention: Neutral pH (7.0), 3-4 year crop rotation, keep adequately watered
• Common pests: Mice, voles, and gophers
• Pest control: Traps or underground screens

Harvest & Storage
• Harvest when roots reach desired size; small roots are tender, large roots may become woody if left in the ground too long
• Leaves can be used as pot greens or in salads
• Trim tops and store at 36°F and 95% relative humidity

Fall & Winter Harvest
• Beets should be harvested before temperatures drop to the 15-20°F range
• If you are in a temperate climate, and your soil is well drained, your best location for root storage is in the garden under a protective layer of straw

KEY TO BEET DISEASE RESISTANCE AND TOLERANCE
HR indicates high resistance.
IR indicates intermediate resistance.
BLS | Bacterial Leaf Spot
C | Cercospora

What is seed tape?
Seed tapes are perfectly straight rows of precisely spaced crops. No more having to thin seedlings! This biodegradable tape will plant a row 5 meters (16 feet, 5 inches) long. Simply lay it in a furrow and cover with a light layer of sifted compost or soil, water and wait. Save yourself a heap of planting time with these popular vegetable and herb staples.

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