Shiraz Tall Top
HOW TO GROW BEET
Usually direct sown as soon as soil can be worked but may be started indoors. Summer sowing after mid July are generally poor. If you like, when direct sowing, mix beet seeds with fast-sprouting radish seeds to mark the rows. Start indoors 4-6 weeks before last frost, plant out 2 weeks before frost. For fall harvest, transplant 10 weeks before first frost, without additional protection. In a hoophouse, you can plant 2-3 weeks later. Sow every 3-4 weeks for consistent supply. Harvest beets when 2–3” for best sweet flavor. Beets can grow large and get woody if left in the field. All parts of the beet plant are edible. Soil pH 5.6-7.0. Hardiness zones 8. Biennial.
Days from maturity calculated from the date of seeding. Average 2,800 seeds per ounce. Average 436M seeds per acre. Federal germination standard: 65%. Usual seed life: 6 years. Isolation distance for seed saving: 5 miles.
Planting Depth 1/2”
Soil Temp. Germ. 50-85˚F
Days to Germ. 5-10
Plant Spacing 3-4”
Row Spacing 12-18”
Days To Maturity 70–80
Full Sun, Moist Well Drained
Days from maturity calculated from the date of seeding. Average 2,800 seeds per ounce. Average 436M seeds per acre. Federal germination standard: 65%. Usual seed life: 6 years. Isolation distance for seed saving: 5 miles.
Planting Depth 1/2”
Soil Temp. Germ. 50-85˚F
Days to Germ. 5-10
Plant Spacing 3-4”
Row Spacing 12-18”
Days To Maturity 70–80
Full Sun, Moist Well Drained
Shiraz Tall Top Seed Count
.25 Pound ≈ 15,120 seeds
1 Pound ≈ 60,479 seeds
- 150 Seeds$4.10
- 1500 Seeds$12.50
- 1/4 lb$38.00
- 1 lb$58.00
This fast growing beet has outstanding vigor, a round smooth shape, dark red color, and delicious tall beet green tops. It is Rhizoctonia-resistant. Shiraz beet can be sown in the spring for summer harvest, 55-60 days, or in the fall for winter harvest, 70–80 days.In the early 2000s, seed breeder Steve Peters was in...
This fast growing beet has outstanding vigor, a round smooth shape, dark red color, and delicious tall beet green tops. It is Rhizoctonia-resistant. Shiraz beet can be sown in the spring for summer harvest, 55-60 days, or in the fall for winter harvest, 70–80 days.In the early 2000s, seed breeder Steve Peters was involved in a breeding project that drew together crop scientists from the Organic Seed Alliance (OSA), organic seed growers, and seed retailers in an effort to create a better table beet for organic cultivation. The goal of the group was to develop a genetically elastic phenotype displaying vigor, good performance under organic conditions, and acceptance in the marketplace. The picture shows the result after about five years of breeding: Shiraz Tall Top.Before the collaborative effort began, OSA plant breeder Dr. John Navazio spent several seasons developing the base population of a new beet variety by cross-pollinating three genetically distinct heirloom beet varieties, each of which held certain desirable traits. His familiarity with many varieties made his contribution particularly valuable.The fourth image here is the standard table beet, Red Ace, an F1 hybrid variety. On the right is an early generation of the Shiraz project. Note the extra length of the Shiraz tops and the nice smooth skin and rounded shape, making it an excellent dual-purpose vegetable. Tags: Harvest: Mid, Color: Red, Shape: Round, Season: Spring Fall, Certification: Organic.
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Meet Your Farmer
We promote fair trade, organic practices and environmental responsibility throughout the Restoration Seeds supply chain. Below are the family farmers and seed suppliers who bring our open pollinated seeds to you.
Strong Roots
Certified Organic by CCOF
Seed grower since 2004
Strong Roots Farm grows certified organic seed, produce, and garden starts in Mendocino County, California. Seeds from the farm go to other seed companies, and are sold through northern California retail outlets and online as Open Circle Seeds.
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