SproutSmart
SproutSmart Intelligent Garden Sowing

Bull's Blood

Beet
Botanical illustration of Bull's Blood
🌱 50d to harvest Rosette

Sweetly earthy and richly aromatic, Bull’s Blood beets deliver a deep, wine-red interior with a tender, fine-grained bite that st…

Planting Schedule

Add Bull's Blood to your garden to build a schedule and get reminders.

Crop Dates

MilestoneDate
Start IndoorsDirect Sow
Last FrostMar 6th
Transplant / Sow OutdoorsMar 6th
Harvest BeginsApr 25th
Harvest EndsNov 26th

Crop Details

TraitValue
Days to Maturity50
Sun RequirementsFull SunFull sun
Growth HabitRosette
Support NeededNone
Planting DepthNormal
Germination Temp (°F)55
Min Soil Temp (°F)45
Min Night Temp (°F)28
Harden Off (days)Not Required

Frequently Asked Questions


Why are my Bull’s Blood beets developing dark, fuzzy spots or leaf blight, and what should I do?
This is commonly Cercospora leaf spot or other foliar blights, which spread fast in humid weather and on crowded plants. Remove the worst affected leaves, improve airflow by thinning to about 3–4 inches between plants, and water at the soil line (not overhead). If it’s actively spreading, spray with a labeled copper-based fungicide and repeat according to the label every 7–10 days until conditions cool.
How often should I water Bull’s Blood beets during the main growing phase to keep roots sweet and avoid problems?
During root bulking (roughly weeks 4–7), keep the soil evenly moist so it doesn’t dry out between waterings—aim for about 1 inch per week total, adjusted for rainfall. Water deeply when the top 1 inch of soil feels dry to the touch, and avoid letting the soil swing from very dry to very wet, which can cause cracking and misshapen roots.
How can I tell when my Bull’s Blood beets are ready to harvest?
Harvest at about 50 days from sowing when roots are typically 1–2 inches wide for the best sweet-tender texture. You’ll also see the shoulder of the beet lifting at the soil surface and the greens are vigorous without turning yellow prematurely. If you want smaller salad-sized beets, pull earlier; if you wait too long, roots can get woody and lose sweetness.
Botanical illustration of Bull's Blood

Sweetly earthy and richly aromatic, Bull’s Blood beets deliver a deep, wine-red interior with a tender, fine-grained bite that stays impressively smooth. The greens are lush and vigorous, with a crisp, beetlike flavor that sings alongside the roots. Grow for bold color in fresh salads, vibrant roasting, and striking pickled slices that keep their jewel-toned presence from jar to table.

Sowing Tips

Transplant Conditions

Wait until soil reaches 45°F and nights stay above 28°F before moving outdoors.

Expert Note

Direct-sow beets and keep the soil evenly moist until seedlings emerge, then thin to avoid cramped roots.