---
title: Bulls Blood Beets
created: 2026-05-24
updated: 2026-05-25
type: entity
tags: [root-vegetables, heirloom, open-pollinated, animal-friendly]
sources: [raw/articles/seedvault-home-page.md]
---

# Bulls Blood Beets

## Overview
Deep purple open-pollinated heirloom variety. Rich, earthy flavor for roasting, salads, and juicing. Dark green leaves are edible too. Fast-maturing, versatile garden crop.

- **Category:** Root Vegetables
- **Price:** $3.12
- **Tags:** Chicken Friendly, Goat Friendly, Rabbit Friendly
- **Variety Type:** Open-pollinated heirloom
- **Days to Harvest:** 50-60 days for roots, 30 days for greens
- **Germination:** 5-10 days at 50-85°F
- **Hardiness:** Survives temperatures down to 25°F

## Growing Instructions
- **Sowing:** Direct sow 4 weeks before last frost. Soak seeds 2 hours, plant 1" deep, 1" apart in rows 1-2' apart.
- **Care:** "Seeds" hold up to 8 actual seeds. Thin to 3" apart. Transplanted seedlings set back ~2 weeks.
- **Harvest:** Roots at 1-3 inches. Greens in 30 days.

## Soil & Conditions
- **pH:** 6.0-7.0, well-drained. Add compost. Remove stones for straight roots.

## Seed Storage
- **Viability:** 3-4 years cool/dry. Store below 40°F, 25-30% humidity.
- **Pre-treatment:** Soak seeds 12-24h before sowing for faster germination.

## Yield
- **Per Plant:** 0.5-1 lb per plant
- **Harvest Season:** Early fall
- **Note:** Same yield as sugar beets, deep red color
Biennial crop. Save seeds from bolting plants year 2. Isolate ½ mile or use row covers over flowers. Harvest when seed pods turn tan and dry.

## Pest & Disease
Aphids, beet armyworm, leaf spots. Rotate with non-chenopods. Ensure good air circulation to prevent mildew.

## Harvest & Preservation
4-5" diameter. Store roots in damp sand at 32-40°F for 2-4 months. Greens: use within days or blanch/freeze. Roast, pickle, or juice.

## Companion Planting

### Good Companions
- **[[white-bunching-onion]], [[butter-crunch-butterhead-lettuce]], [[long-island-brussels-sprouts]]** — Onions repel pests, beets don't compete

## Related
- [[seedvault-market]]
- [[grow-guides]]
- [[seed-catalog]]