Beetroot 'Noire d’Égypte': Sowing, planting and harvest calendar
How do you sow 'Noire d’Égypte' beetroot outdoors?
Sow your 'Noire d’Égypte' beetroot when soil warms in spring, in a sunny, well-drained area. Adjust timing to the packet and your climate. Avoid frozen or waterlogged ground. Assess soil fertility before adding compost: the crop can benefit from extra nutrition where the ground needs it.
Weed, break large clods and prepare a reasonably fine surface. Make drills about 2 to 3 cm deep according to the supplier, around 30 cm apart. Place seed clusters roughly 10 cm apart, cover and firm gently. Water with a fine spray if soil is dry.
One seed cluster may produce several seedlings. As they develop, thin crowded groups to retain a well-positioned plant if you want individual roots. Spacing of 10 cm is a common guide; adjust to desired size rather than automatically doubling the distance.
Keep the seeded layer moist during emergence without soaking it. Mark the cultivar and weed by hand near shoots. Check young leaves after damp weather for slug damage and choose suitable protection if necessary, based on the damage actually present.
How to care for this plant
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Thin seedlings
For larger beetroot, thin crowded young seedlings to about 10 cm apart. Keep small clusters intended for baby roots.
When and how do you harvest 'Noire d’Égypte' beetroot?
