Crosby Egyptian

Beet

50d to harvest

Sweetly earthy and richly crimson, Crosby Egyptian beets develop a velvety, tender texture with deep-red interiors that hold their color beautifully. Their compact, globe-shaped roots are wonderfully uniform at harvest, making them a joy to grow and a standout for vibrant color in every garden bounty. Grow Crosby Egyptian for reliable, early satisfaction—50 days to maturity—when you want bold red beets that shine in fresh salads, roasted platters, and striking pickled preserves.

Crop Dates

Growing note: In frost-free Zone 10a, grow this cool-season crop during the cooler dry season (October–February).

Milestone	Date
Start Indoors	—
Climate	Frost-Free Climate
Transplant / Sow Outdoors	Oct 1st
Harvest Begins	Nov 20th
Harvest Ends	Feb 28th

Crop Details

Trait	Value
Days to Maturity	50
Sun Requirements	Full Sun
Growth Habit	Taproot
Support Needed	None
Planting Depth	Normal
Germination Temp (°F)	55
Min Soil Temp (°F)	40
Min Night Temp (°F)	28
Harden Off (days)	Not Required

Frequently Asked Questions

What pest or disease commonly affects Beta vulgaris subsp. vulgaris (Crosby Egyptian) and how can I control it?

Beets often get Cercospora leaf spot, which shows up as brown spots with a pale gray center on older leaves and can cause leaf drop. Remove and discard infected leaves, water at the soil line (not on foliage), and improve airflow with proper spacing; if it’s severe, use a labeled copper-based fungicide and repeat according to the label. For future plantings, rotate beds so beets aren’t in the same spot each season.

How often should I water Crosby Egyptian beet during the main growing phase?

During the 6–8 weeks of bulking, keep the top 2–3 in (5–8 cm) of soil consistently moist but not soggy—aim for about 1 in (2.5 cm) of water per week, increasing slightly in hot weather. Water deeply, then allow the surface to dry slightly before watering again to prevent root disease and tough, fibrous roots. Mulch helps maintain steady moisture, which is key for tender roots.

How do I know when Crosby Egyptian beets are ready to harvest?

Harvest about 50 days after sowing when roots reach roughly 1–2 in (2.5–5 cm) across and the tops look vigorous but not overgrown. Pull one test beet to check size and tenderness; they should feel firm and smooth with minimal cracking. For the sweetest flavor, harvest before they get much larger than the typical small-beet size.