Beet ‘Bulls Blood’

* Common name: Red beet ‘Bull’s Blood’

*Botanical name: Beta vulgaris cicla ‘Bull’s Blood’

* What it is: An heirloom edible root crop dating to at least 1840 that develops 3-inch-wide slightly elongated, blood-red roots. The striking trait of ‘Bull’s Blood’ is its very dark-burgundy/purple, glossy leaves – nice enough that some people grow it strictly as an ornamental foliage plant.  

* Size: Foliage grows 14-16 inches tall. Space 4-6 inches apart.

* Where to use: Vegetable garden or mixed with annuals in a flower garden. Also does well in pots. Full sun or light shade.

* Care: Direct-seed in the garden starting in mid-April and then every 2 weeks through late May for a staggered summer harvest. Plant another crop in mid to late August for fall harvest. Ready to pick in about 60 days. Work compost and slow-release balanced organic fertilizer into the soil at planting. Keep the soil consistently damp. Leaves are edible, too.

* Great partner: Carrots, which can be direct-seeded at the same time in the vegetable garden. Dwarf zinnias, marigolds, celosia and red geraniums are good annual-flower partners.

— George Weigel