Root vegetables
48-55days to harvest
7-14days to germinate
Z2–10USDA zones
Easydifficulty
HeirloomContainer friendly

Sowing

Direct sow 2-4 weeks before last frost. Plant seeds ½ inch deep, thin seedlings to proper spacing. Fall plantings 10-12 weeks before hard frost.

Cultivation

Sun
Full sun to partial shade (4-8 hours)
Water
1 inch per week, consistent moisture
Soil
Well-drained, fertile soil with good organic matter
Soil pH
6.0-7.5
Spacing
3-4 inches
Height
12-18 inches
Season
Warm season annual

Appearance & flavour

Colour
Deep red roots with bright green tops tinged red
Size
2-3 inches diameter
Shape
Flattened globe, slightly top-shaped
Flavour
Sweet, earthy roots with tender, mild-flavored greens

In the kitchen

Roots for roasting, boiling, pickling. Greens excellent for salads and sautéing. Both can be harvested young.

Pests, disease & resistance

Pests
Leaf miners, aphids, flea beetles
Diseases
Cercospora leaf spot, downy mildew, damping off
Resistance
Good tolerance to leaf spot diseases

Planting calendar by USDA zone

ZoneStart indoorsTransplantDirect sowHarvest
1——June – JulyJuly – September
2——May – JulyJuly – September
3——May – JuneJune – October
4——April – JuneJune – October
5——April – MayJune – November
6——April – MayMay – November
7——March – MayMay – November
8——March – AprilApril – December
9——February – MarchMarch – December
10——January – MarchMarch – December
11——January – FebruaryFebruary – December
12——January – FebruaryFebruary – December
13——January – FebruaryFebruary – December

Companion planting

8 beneficial pairings indexed for this variety, 3 to avoid.

LettuceShallow roots don't compete with beet taproots, provides living mulch
OnionsRepel beet leaf miners and aphids, different root depths reduce competition
GarlicDeters aphids and flea beetles that commonly attack beet greens
CarrotsSimilar growing requirements, carrots break up soil for beet root development
RadishesQuick harvest frees space for beet expansion, breaks up compacted soil
Swiss ChardSame plant family with similar care needs, maximizes space efficiency
Bush BeansFix nitrogen in soil benefiting heavy-feeding beets, don't compete for root space
SpinachCool-season companion with similar water needs, harvests before beets mature

Avoid

Pole BeansVigorous growth and climbing habit can shade out beet plants reducing yield
Field MustardAttracts same pests as beets and can harbor diseases like clubroot
CharlockCompetes aggressively for nutrients and can stunt beet root development

Nutrition (per 100 g)

Protein (g)
1.69
Fat (g)
0.302
Carbohydrate (g)
8.79
Fibre (g)
3.12
Vitamin C (mg)
4.6
Folate (µg)
103
Calcium (mg)
13.8
Iron (mg)
0.428
Magnesium (mg)
21
Phosphorus (mg)
33.6
Potassium (mg)
342
Zinc (mg)
0.31

Where to buy seed and equipment

Some links are affiliate links. If you buy through them we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.

Growing it? There is a full cultivation guide at the root vegetables growing guide.

Cultivar facts compiled from public horticultural references including USDA GRIN and NC State Extension. Descriptions are original to this catalogue.

DarkGrow forum

Grown Early Wonder Tall Top Beet?

Post a crop report — day counts, reservoir readings, what worked. Variety-specific logs are the most useful thing on the forum.

Similar varieties

Other root vegetables with a comparable time to harvest, so a season that suits Early Wonder Tall Top Beet suits these too.

Browse all 56 root vegetables