Beta vulgaris
Origin: Germany
Improvement status: Cultivar
Seeds per packet: ~110
Germination tested 12/2022: 82%
Life cycle: Biennial
'Robuschka' is a classic red beet with long-lasting storage capacity. The roots are lovely and round, and were clearly selected for vigorous growth as well as sweetness. As far as we can tell, this variety originated with the famous German biodynamic cooperative known as Demeter.
Our seeds were grown by Clint Freund, Kass McKinnon, and Dusty Hinz, in collaboration with Rising Sun Farm in River Falls, WI, known for their pioneering efforts in naked gardening. Teamwork makes the dream work!
GROWING TIPS: Direct seed 1/2-3/4 inch deep after danger of last frost. Plants should end up 3-5 inches from each other. Row spacing could be 12-18 inches. It's more time and energy, but beets also transplant relatively well, so for example, if you have a situation with really bad weeds or you are notoriously bad at staying up on weeding, you could start seeds in flats and transplant to freshly prepared ground to get ahead.
