Beetroot Bull’s Blood

Growing Bull's Blood Beets involves providing the right conditions for this specific variety to thrive. Here's a general guide on how to grow Beetroot 'Bull’s Blood':

**1. Planting Time:**
- Beets are a cool-season crop. Directly sow Bull's Blood beet seeds outdoors about 2-4 weeks before the last expected frost in spring or in late summer for a fall harvest.

**2. Soil Preparation:**
- Choose well-draining, loose soil rich in organic matter.
- Aim for a slightly acidic to neutral pH (around 6.0 to 7.0).

**3. Sowing Seeds:**
- Sow Bull's Blood beet seeds directly in the garden about 1/2 inch deep.
- Plant seeds in rows, and thin the seedlings to the appropriate spacing once they have grown a few inches tall.

**4. Sunlight:**
- Beets prefer full sun, but they can tolerate partial shade.

**5. Watering:**
- Keep the soil consistently moist. Beets prefer evenly moist soil for optimal root development.
- Water regularly, especially during dry periods, to prevent the beets from becoming woody.

**6. Fertilizing:**
- Use a balanced fertilizer before planting or incorporate well-rotted compost into the soil.
- Avoid excessive nitrogen, as it can encourage leafy growth at the expense of root development.

**7. Thinning:**
- Thin the seedlings to the recommended spacing once they are a few inches tall. This allows sufficient room for the beets to develop.

**8. Harvesting:**
- Harvest Bull's Blood beets when they reach the desired size, typically around 1.5 to 3 inches in diameter.
- You can harvest them earlier for smaller, tender beets or later for larger ones.
- Lift the beets gently with a fork to avoid damaging the roots.

**9. Successive Planting:**
- Consider successive plantings every 2-3 weeks for a continuous harvest throughout the growing season.

**10. Pest and Disease Management:**
- Watch for common pests such as aphids and flea beetles. Use insecticidal soap or neem oil for pest control.
- Practice crop rotation to minimize the risk of soil-borne diseases.

**11. Companion Planting:**
- Beets can benefit from being planted near crops like onions, lettuce, and cabbage while avoiding planting them near beans.

**12. Storage:**
- After harvesting, remove the tops but leave about an inch of stem to prevent bleeding during cooking.
- Store beets in a cool, dark place. They can be stored in a root cellar or refrigerator for an extended period.

Bull's Blood beets are known for their deep red-purple foliage, making them an attractive addition to salads. Adjust care based on your specific growing conditions and local climate.