Beetroot ‘Early Wonder’ Vegetable Seeds
Grow fast-maturing Early Wonder beetroot for tender deep-red roots and productive leafy tops. Early Wonder Beetroot (Beta vulgaris) is a popular heirloom variety valued for its early maturity, smooth rounded roots and versatile edible leaves.
The roots develop a rich red colour and sweet, earthy beetroot flavour, making them excellent for roasting, boiling, pickling and salads. Young leafy tops can also be harvested for baby leaf or used as a cooked green.
Early Wonder is particularly useful for successive sowings because of its relatively fast development and is well suited to home vegetable gardens, raised beds and market garden production.
Early Wonder Beetroot Seed Details
| Botanical name | Beta vulgaris |
|---|---|
| Variety | Early Wonder |
| Seed treatment | Treated with Thiram fungicide – for sowing only |
| Plant type | Biennial generally grown as an annual root vegetable |
| Plant height | Approximately 30–40 cm |
| Root shape | Round to slightly flattened |
| Root colour | Deep red |
| Position | Full sun to light shade |
| Sowing depth | Approximately 1–2 cm |
| Plant spacing | Approximately 8–10 cm |
| Harvest | Approximately 55–65 days from sowing |
Why Grow Early Wonder Beetroot?
- Fast-maturing heirloom beetroot producing smooth, rounded roots.
- Deep-red flesh with classic sweet, earthy beetroot flavour.
- Valued for both its edible roots and productive leafy tops.
- Young leaves can be harvested for baby leaf or cooking.
- Excellent for roasting, boiling, pickling and salads.
- Fast development makes it particularly suitable for successive sowings.
- Suitable for vegetable gardens, raised beds and market garden production.
- Harvest roots young for smaller tender beets or allow them to develop to approximately 5–8 cm diameter.
How to Grow Early Wonder Beetroot from Seed
Early Wonder Beetroot grows best in loose, fertile, well-drained soil that allows its roots to develop without obstruction. Direct sowing is generally preferred because beetroot establishes readily where it is to grow.
- Prepare the soil. Choose a sunny to lightly shaded position and loosen the soil to approximately 20 cm deep. Remove stones and large clods and incorporate well-rotted compost or organic matter where required.
- Sow directly. Sow approximately 1–2 cm deep into prepared soil. Beetroot is generally best direct sown rather than transplanted to avoid unnecessary root disturbance.
- Maintain moisture. Water gently after sowing and keep the soil reasonably and consistently moist during germination and establishment.
- Thin the seedlings. Once seedlings are established, thin to approximately 8–10 cm apart for full-sized roots. Beetroot seed is naturally formed as a cluster, so more than one seedling may emerge from a single seed cluster.
- Allow adequate row spacing. Space rows approximately 30–40 cm apart to provide room for growth, airflow and cultivation.
- Water consistently. Maintain reasonably even soil moisture as the roots develop. Prolonged dry conditions can reduce root quality.
- Succession sow. Sow additional crops every 3–4 weeks during suitable growing conditions for a longer, more continuous harvest.
- Harvest young and tender. Harvest roots at approximately 5–8 cm diameter for good texture and flavour. Young leaves can also be harvested sparingly as required.
When to Plant Early Wonder Beetroot Seeds in Australia
Early Wonder is a cool-season vegetable that can be grown over a long period of the year in many Australian regions. The best sowing period varies according to local climate.
| Climate | General Sowing Guide |
|---|---|
| Tropical | April–July |
| Subtropical | March–September |
| Temperate | August–March |
| Cool | September–February |
| Arid | March–September |
Adjust sowing times according to local temperatures, frost and seasonal conditions. Beetroot generally develops best under mild conditions with adequate soil moisture.
Harvesting Early Wonder Beetroot
One of the advantages of Early Wonder is its relatively quick maturity. Under suitable conditions, roots can be ready to harvest approximately 55–65 days after sowing.
Baby beetroot: Harvest smaller roots early when a tender baby beet is preferred.
Mature roots: Harvest at approximately 5–8 cm diameter for good texture and flavour.
Leafy tops: Young leaves can be picked sparingly for salads or cooking. Avoid removing excessive foliage from plants being grown primarily for mature roots.
For an extended harvest, sow smaller batches every 3–4 weeks while growing conditions remain suitable.
How to Use Early Wonder Beetroot
- Roasting: Roast whole young beetroot or cut larger roots into wedges.
- Boiling: Cook whole or prepared roots for salads and vegetable dishes.
- Pickling: Well suited to traditional pickled beetroot.
- Salads: Use cooked beetroot or finely prepared fresh roots in salads.
- Baby beetroot: Harvest young roots for smaller, tender beets.
- Leafy greens: Young leaves can be harvested for salads or cooking.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Early Wonder Beetroot?
Early Wonder is a fast-maturing heirloom beetroot variety valued for its rounded deep-red roots and edible leafy tops. It is suitable for home gardens, raised beds and market garden production.
How long does Early Wonder Beetroot take to grow?
Early Wonder can generally be harvested approximately 55–65 days after sowing under suitable growing conditions.
Are Early Wonder Beetroot seeds treated?
Yes. These Early Wonder Beetroot seeds have been treated with Thiram fungicide and are intended for sowing only. They must not be used for human or animal consumption, sprouting or microgreens.
Can these Early Wonder seeds be used for microgreens?
No. Because this seed has been treated with Thiram, it is not suitable for growing microgreens or sprouts. It is supplied for conventional sowing and crop production only.
Can you eat Early Wonder Beetroot leaves?
Yes. The leaves produced by established plants are edible, and young leaves can be harvested for salads or cooking. The treated seed itself must not be eaten or used for sprouting or microgreens.
How deep should I sow Early Wonder Beetroot seeds?
Sow the seeds approximately 1–2 cm deep in loose, prepared soil.
How far apart should Early Wonder Beetroot plants be?
Thin established seedlings to approximately 8–10 cm apart for full-sized roots, with approximately 30–40 cm between rows.
Why do several beetroot seedlings emerge together?
Beetroot seed is commonly produced as a seed cluster containing more than one seed. Several seedlings can therefore emerge from what appears to be a single seed and may require thinning.
Can Early Wonder Beetroot be succession sown?
Yes. Its relatively fast maturity makes Early Wonder particularly suitable for succession sowing. Sow additional batches approximately every 3–4 weeks while conditions remain suitable.
When should I plant Early Wonder Beetroot seeds in Australia?
Sowing time varies by climate. Early Wonder can generally be sown from autumn through spring in warmer regions and from spring through the warmer months in cool climates.
Where can I buy Early Wonder Beetroot seeds in Australia?
Seedmart supplies Early Wonder Beetroot seeds for Australian gardeners and growers. This fast-maturing heirloom variety produces edible deep-red roots and leafy tops. Please note that this seed is treated with Thiram and is supplied for sowing only.
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