To save beet seeds, you need to allow your beet plants to bolt, collect the dried seed clusters, and store them properly.
Beets are biennials, meaning they take two years to complete their life cycle. In the first year, they produce the root we eat. In the second year, they flower and produce seeds. Here's a breakdown of how to save beet seeds:
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Allow Bolting: In the second year, the beet plant will send up a flower stalk (bolt). Allow this stalk to fully develop and flower.
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Pollination: Beets are wind-pollinated, so you'll need multiple beet plants (at least 5-10) of the same variety to ensure good pollination and genetic diversity in your seed crop. Cross-pollination with other beet varieties, chard, and mangels is possible, so isolate different varieties by at least a mile to maintain seed purity.
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Harvest Seed Clusters: After flowering, seed clusters will form along the stalk. These clusters will turn brown and dry when they are ready for harvest. This can take several weeks. You can harvest the entire stalk when most of the seed clusters are dry, or you can harvest individual clusters as they mature.
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Drying: Allow the harvested seed stalks or individual clusters to dry completely indoors in a well-ventilated area. This ensures the seeds are properly dried and prevents mold growth.
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Threshing: Once the seed clusters are completely dry, you need to separate the seeds from the chaff. This process is called threshing. You can do this by hand, by rubbing the seed clusters between your hands or against a screen, or by gently crushing them.
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Winnowing: After threshing, you'll have a mixture of seeds and chaff. Separate the seeds from the chaff by winnowing. This involves gently tossing the mixture into the air, allowing the wind or a fan to blow away the lighter chaff while the heavier seeds fall back down.
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Cleaning: Remove any remaining debris from the seeds.
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Storage: Store the cleaned and dried beet seeds in an airtight container in a cool, dark, and dry place. A refrigerator is a good option, especially if you live in a warm climate. Label the container with the variety of beet and the date of harvest. Seeds properly stored can remain viable for 5 years or more.
