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

Sow a few seeds together in April-May 2 cm deep in (sunny) partial shade. Beet prefers sandy-loamy, loose, deep soil that must not be acidic. Germination period: approx. 2 weeks at 10-20°C. Water regularly (in very hot weather, a lack of water leads to fibrous roots). Protect from the cold when young (risk of bolting). If necessary, separate to a distance of 10cm. 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. Store the late-sown beets in the cellar or in sand, in a dry and cool place.

Details

Light requirement

Semi-shaded

Water requirement

Moist

Soil

Medium (loamy)

Nutrient requirement

Medium

Plant distance

10 cm

Row spacing

30 cm

Seeding depth

2 cm