How to Grow Joan's Blood Beet

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Joan's Blood Beet

Beta vulgaris subsp. vulgaris

vegetable

Joan's Blood is a heirloom beet variety prized for its deep crimson-purple roots and striking burgundy-red foliage with red veining. This open-pollinated variety produces tender, sweet roots with exceptional flavor and vibrant color that holds well in cooking. The entire plant is edible, with nutritious greens appearing in early season and roots maturing mid-summer.

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Example Joan's Blood Beet timeline · Pittsburgh, PA (Zone 6b)

Plant Joan's Blood Beet
Around Apr 17

Near Pittsburgh's average last spring frost.
Tend & protect
Late spring–summer

Watering, feeding, and pest-watch reminders.
Harvest Joan's Blood Beet
Around Jun 11

≈ 55 days after planting

Sample dates for Pittsburgh, PA. Sign up to get exact Joan's Blood Beet dates for your own zip code.

Growing Conditions

☀️

Sun: Full sun, 6-8 hours daily; tolerates partial shade in hot climates

💧

Water: Keep soil consistently moist but not waterlogged; provide 1-1.5 inches weekly. Deep watering encourages deeper root development. Avoid fluctuations that cause root cracking.

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Spacing: 3-4 inches apart in rows; thin seedlings to 3-4 inches when 2-3 inches tall inches

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Days to maturity: 55-75 days for roots; 40-50 days for tender greens

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Planting depth: 0.5-1 inch; sow directly in garden

Soil

Type: Well-draining loamy soil with moderate fertility

pH: 6.0-7.5

Amendments:

Compost Well-rotted manure Sulfur if pH is too high

Growing Zones

Find your zone →

Thrives in zones 2-9; prefers cooler seasons but tolerates heat better than many heirloom varieties

2a 2b 3a 3b 4a 4b 5a 5b 6a 6b 7a 7b 8a 8b 9a 9b

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Growth Stages

Germination & Seedling

2-3 weeks

Seeds sprout in 7-10 days, producing cotyledons and initial true leaves. Seedlings develop distinctive purple-tinged foliage.

Keep soil warm (65-75°F) and consistently moist. Thin crowded seedlings early to prevent competition. Thinned seedlings are edible microgreens.

Leafy Greens Production

3-4 weeks

Plant develops 4-6 large burgundy leaves with prominent red veining. Foliage becomes darker and more vibrant purple-red.

Begin harvesting outer leaves once 3-4 inches tall. Pinch off flower buds if they appear. Keep soil evenly moist and weed regularly.

Root Development

3-4 weeks

Roots begin swelling underground while foliage continues to develop. Purple shoulders emerge at soil surface, indicating root enlargement.

Maintain consistent moisture to promote even root expansion. Avoid nitrogen-heavy fertilizers which favor greens over roots. Hill soil slightly if roots push above surface.

Root Maturation

2-3 weeks

Roots reach 2-3 inches in diameter with deep purple-burgundy color. Foliage remains vibrant and healthy; roots are tender and sweet.

Continue steady watering. Do not let soil dry out during this stage. Check root size by gently uncovering crown to assess readiness.

Harvest Ready

Harvest window

Roots reach full size (2-3 inches diameter), skin is thin and tender, and flesh is intensely colored throughout.

Pull roots gently by grasping foliage near the crown. Harvest before they exceed 3.5 inches diameter for best tenderness. Roots store well in cool conditions.

Companion Planting

Plan your garden →

Plant with:

Garlic Onions Lettuce Chard Spinach Carrots Kohlrabi Nasturtium

Avoid planting near:

Pole beans Fennel Brassicas (heavy feeders competing for nitrogen)

Common Pests

Remove affected leaves immediately. Cover young plants with row covers. Spray neem oil if infestation is severe.
Use row covers on seedlings. Apply diatomaceous earth to foliage. Spray spinosad if damage is significant.
Hand-pick caterpillars. Remove and destroy infested leaves. Apply Bt (Bacillus thuringiensis) if needed.
Spray with strong water jet to dislodge. Apply insecticidal soap. Encourage beneficial insects like ladybugs.
Remove affected leaves. Improve air circulation. Avoid overhead watering. Apply copper fungicide if severe.

Uses

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Salads & Raw Applications

Culinary

Joan's Blood beets are exceptionally tender and sweet when raw, making them ideal for shaving into salads or slicing thin for carpaccio. The deep purple color creates visually striking dishes. [source]

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Roasting & Cooking

Culinary

When roasted, Joan's Blood beets develop concentrated sweetness and maintain their vibrant color throughout cooking. The thin skin requires minimal peeling. [source]

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Beet Greens & Blending

Culinary

The nutrient-dense burgundy leaves are delicious sautéed with garlic or blended into smoothies and soups. Young tender leaves can be used raw in salads. [source]

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Anthocyanin-Rich Wellness

Medicinal

Joan's Blood beets are exceptionally high in anthocyanins and betalains, powerful antioxidants linked to cardiovascular health and anti-inflammatory benefits. Traditionally used to support blood health and vitality. [source]

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Natural Food Coloring

Household

The intense purple-red pigment can be extracted and used as a natural food dye for cakes, icings, and other foods, providing color without synthetic additives. [source]

This is not medical advice. LizPlants is not a medical resource. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional before using plants medicinally.

Harvest Tips

Harvest greens starting at 4-6 weeks by pinching outer leaves, leaving inner crown intact for continued growth. For roots, harvest when 2-3 inches in diameter (55-75 days), ideally before exceeding 3.5 inches. Twist off greens 1 inch above the root to prevent bleeding and color loss. Store unwashed roots in cool (32-40°F), humid conditions for 3-4 months. For fresh eating, use raw or lightly cooked; Joan's Blood maintains its striking color better than many varieties due to high anthocyanin content.

Fun Facts

🌱 Joan's Blood is named after a traditional witchcraft spell used to protect household gardens; the dark burgundy color and folklore heritage make it popular with heirloom gardeners.
🌱 Unlike most red beets that bleed color into cooking water, Joan's Blood retains its vibrant purple pigment remarkably well due to exceptional anthocyanin stability.
🌱 The entire plant is edible and nutritious—the greens contain more iron and calcium by weight than the roots, making this one of the most productive vegetables per square foot.

Gardening Terms

New to gardening? Learn about terms used in this guide:

Crown Full Sun Heirloom Open-Pollinated Partial Shade True Leaves

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