Krötchen / Crapaudine

Season Overview

Description

The gourmet variety 'Crapaudine' ('Toad') is one of the oldest beet varieties ever, known from France since the 17th century. This beetroot is rather elongated, pointed and irregularly shaped with tasty, sweet, firm dark red (white-tanned) flesh and rather rough, dark skin. The root and the dark purple juice, of which this French variety is particularly rich, are rich in minerals and vitamins, and it is said to have blood-forming properties. This makes the 'toad' especially interesting for convalescents and women during menstruation. The leaves can be prepared like chard.

Growing tips

A few seeds at a time are sown together April-May 2 cm deep in the (sunny) partial shade. Beet prefers sandy-loamy loose deep fertile soil, which should not be acidic. Germination period: about 2 weeks at 10-20°C. Water regularly (in hot weather, lack of water leads to fibrous roots). Protect from cold in the young stage (risk of bolting). If necessary, separate to 10cm distance. Harvest 4-5 months after germination. Tip: Twist off the leaves after harvesting instead of cutting them off, so that the beds do not "bleed" so much. Storage of late-sown beets in the cellar or in the sand, dry and cool place.

Details

Light requirement

Semi-shaded

Water requirement

Wet

Soil

Medium (loamy)

Nutrient requirement

Medium

Seeding distance

10 cm

Row spacing

30 cm

Seeding depth

2 cm