Lutz beet

[steev]

I'm finally having some success growing beets on the farm (having mostly failed with several varieties); the problem is: my favorite is Lutz, but I don't seem to have any. Those I've bought as Lutz have either failed, or in this moderate success, have produced a decent beet, but it sure ain't no Lutz, being flattish-rooted and red-stalked (don't know how big they'll get because they're getting eaten).

Anybody got a handle on where to get seed for real, top-shaped rooted, green-stalked, enormous Lutz?

[Drahkk]

Though their prices are a little steep, I've never gotten mixed seed or bad germination from Harris: www.harrisseeds.com/storefront/p-14175-beet-long-season-lutz.aspx

If you'd rather have untreated seed, Sustainable Seed Co has them too. Never done business with them personally, but they seem to have a good reputation on the web. sustainableseedco.com/certified-organic-heirloom-vegetable-seeds/organic-beet-seeds/organic-lutz-green-leaf-beet-seeds.html

Of course your experience may vary, as with all seed companies.

MB

[oxbowfarm]

I've had good luck with Sustainable. Their squash seed is very high quality in my experience. I've also got great germination from their tobacco seed. The one time I had an email conversation with them they gave really prompt and friendly customer service.

And no, I don't smoke (or any other way). I just always wanted to try growing tobacco and so far it's really fun. I've already enjoyed watching the micro seedlings (tobacco seed is like dust) grow into these rugged transplants. The difference in dry matter content between the mature plant and the seed it germinated from in one season is pretty nifty. I digress.

[steev]

Distracted by digression, I also enjoy the self-seeded tobacco that pops up, such fragrant flowers. At some point, I may give it a shot for an insecticide, but it's not a priority. Mullein is another tiny seed/big plant that self-seeds well.

[jondear]

Fedco has a blurb about how Lutz got crossed up but they now have the real McCoy. I have every intention to get some and try crossing it with a cylindrical beet like Carillon. Long, fat beets that keep well are my goal for this project.

[12540dumont]

I love beets, but they are such a nuisance because I can't save seed. (Too much chard on the farm). So I have to buy them new each year. Anyone with a recommendation for the beets with the best tops?

[steev]

IMHO, the best-topped beets are Lutz; very large leaves on substantial stems; given a good stand of Lutz, I'd see no reason for chard. That's why I like them: plenty of "chard" until time to pull the roots.

[Walk]

Here's another viewpoint, for what it's worth. How about instead of beet greens a chard that's not quite like chard? Fedco carries a variety called Perpetual Spinach or Leaf Beet. It winters over in our Minnesota greenhouse with protection and self seeds profusely. We grow Lutz beets for storage roots but prefer this chard variety for greens.

[12540dumont]

All chard overwinters in my garden. That's why I can't do without it! I'll start next season with last year's chard until Leo tills that bed. I'll go hunt Perpetual Spinach! Thanks!

[steev]

Perpetual Spinach makes leaves and stems much the size of most beets'.

[trixtrax]

Almost not chard overwinters here well, North of Seattle, Washington. 12540dumont : Holly, I have some Perpetual Spinach seed long selected in a cold mountainous area of Oregon. Could send you a bag if you'd like

[12540dumont]

Thanks Tritax, I'll PM you

[paquebot]

Chard and beets can overwinter here, too. Just needs a lot of protection. I ususally have a small area for them in the home gardens and planted side-by-side. I'll stack a couple bags of leaves over them and they survive. Rather nice to be eating beet and chard greens in May when everyone else is just planting them. Of course, they don't last long as they quickly bolt. I'll be missing that this year since I had to till that area. But I guarantee that I'll still have them earlier than most since beet and chard seeds were planted in November and just waiting for the first hint of spring to wake up.

Martin

[jondear]

The deer absolutely mowed my Lutz beet tops off last night. He walked right up the row of carillons and didn't eat any. Serves me right for not buying an electric fence.