How to Plant Bull's Blood Beets

The "Bull's Blood" beet plant (Beta vulgaris "Bull's Blood") forms a 6- to 10-inch-tall rosette of stunning purplish-red leaves. The foliage is excellent in salads and makes the plant ideal as a landscape ornamental or in mixed containers, as well as vegetable gardens. Beet roots are 2 to 3 inches in diameter and have a dark red color and sweet flavor. Select a planting site that has six or more hours of daily sun and well-drained soil. Plant seeds in early spring for harvesting in late spring or in the fall for harvesting in late fall to early winter. "Bull's Blood" beets grow well in U.S. Department of Agriculture plant hardiness zones 3 to 10.

Spade or shovel
Rake
Compost
Polyester or burlap fabric
Scissors

Instructions

- 1
  Loosen the soil to a depth of 12 to 15 inches with a spade or shovel, removing any rocks and large clumps or soil. Mix in a 2- to 4-inch layer of compost. Level the soil with a rake.
- 2
  Sow seeds 1 inch apart and 1/2 inch deep. Set rows 12 to 18 inches apart. Sprinkle with water lightly until the soil is evenly moist.
- 3
  Place a floating row cover, such as polyester or burlap, over the soil, letting the fabric slack in the center if it is directly on the ground or stretch tightly if it is supported by hoops. Push soil onto the edges of the fabric to help keep it in place. Keep the soil evenly moist until the seeds germinate.
- 4
  Cut a few small, weak seedlings close to the ground with scissors when they are 1 to 2 inches tall, leaving the strongest seedlings. Thin the seedlings to 4 inches apart when they are 3 to 4 inches tall. Water the seedlings consistently two times a week to keep the soil moist, avoiding letting the soil dry out.

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