The Cylindra beet variety has gained popularity among modern gardeners. This fact is explained by the simplicity of cultivation and decent taste. The description and characteristics of this variety are discussed in this article.
Description and characteristics of the type of cylinder
The cylinder is a mid-season table variety. Ripening period from the moment of planting 120 days. Root crops of maroon color, cylindrical in shape with thin skin. Dark red flesh without pronounced white rings, sweetish taste. Average size: length 16 cm, diameter 9 cm. Weight in the range of 250 - 600 g.
Shelf life is more than 4 months. Due to its resistance to species diseases, the variety is high-yielding, it is 8-10 kg per 1 m2. This is also facilitated by the compact placement of root crops in the garden.
Advantages and disadvantages
The biological composition allows the use of beets for medicinal purposes. Regular use in food heals the activity of the intestines, liver, kidneys, cardiovascular system.
Cylinder beet variety from the Dutch selection. It is cultivated throughout the Russian Federation in the open field. In the middle lane and in Siberia, the seedling method of growing is practiced for early harvest. It shortens the ripening period of the fruit by 3 weeks.
The Cylinder grade is sensitive to low temperatures. Sowing is carried out after the onset of stably warm weather without recurrent frosts. Cold can provoke the appearance of peduncles.
The advantages of the variety include the following qualities:
- a variety of pleasant taste with a unique set of vitamins and microelements, suitable for preparing salads, soups, various preparations;
- has a high yield with minimal maintenance;
- during long-term storage it does not lose its properties and taste;
- saves space on the garden plot, due to its elongated shape it takes up a small area;
- high marketability.
Disadvantages are not registered.
Soil preparation, planting and cultivation of beets
Cylinder cultivation is carried out by seed and seedling methods. The latter method is more time consuming and risky. Saplings take root painfully and do not tolerate a drop in temperature. Seeds are chosen with good germination from trusted producers. It is necessary to work with them according to the recommendations on the bag.
The cylinder loves the sun, warmth and moisture. Its taste depends on the level of acidity of the soil; a sweeter taste can be achieved by adding lime or dolomite flour to the soil. This technique will neutralize whitish rings on the root crop.
The planting material is sorted by size, treated with pink potassium permanganate solution or ash infusion. You can use ready-made growth stimulants Zircon or Epin. Then the washed seeds must be placed in a humid environment for swelling. We choose an open, sunny place for landing.
Root crops grow best of all on loose, fertile soils with an acid-base balance of pH from 5 to 8, that is, closer to neutral. With a deviation from these indicators, the fruits are more often affected by diseases and poorly stored.
Observing the rule of crop rotation, beets should be planted in the garden where cucumbers, tomatoes, legumes, onions or zucchini grew. Spinach is a poor precursor. Fresh manure should not be introduced into the beds, this causes an increased level of nitrates and deformation of the fruit.
Sowing Cylinders are carried out in the second or third decade of May, at the optimum air temperature + 12-14 degrees, and the soil not lower than +7. The specific planting time depends on the climatic conditions.
Beets are recommended to be cultivated in beds 100 cm wide and at least 20 cm high.
The seeding pattern is 25 * 6 cm with a seeding depth of 2.5-3 cm. The soil must be moist. After planting, the ridges need to be mulched. In warm weather, at temperatures above +20 degrees, seedlings will appear on the 5th day. With the threat of return frosts, it will not be superfluous to take care of covering the beds with spunbond.
When planting in seedlings, it must be remembered that the seedlings must have tops less than 7 cm for good survival. The main root should be slightly shortened, planted in loose, moist soil, followed by watering. We are working on a cloudy day.
Care rules
Beet growing technology involves following simple rules:
- seedlings are thinned out in three stages until the final distance between them is 9-10 cm;
- produce systematic weeding and loosening of the soil;
- feeding control the content of trace elements. At the beginning of the growing season, fertilizers are applied with nitrogen. Then potassium becomes the most important element. It is better to make up for its lack with wood ash. Phosphorus, magnesium and boron are equally important. A good result is given by fertilizing with fermented herbal infusion;
To maximize the benefits of beets, do not fertilize them with chemicals. Root vegetables quickly accumulate nitrates.
- watering should be done in moderation, it is especially important during the period of seed germination and the formation of root crops. Watering is practically stopped 15 days before harvesting the beets.
Experienced gardeners add 1 tbsp when watering. a spoonful of table salt in a bucket of water to increase sugar content and protect against pests.
Features of the variety
- The main feature of the variety is the formation of a root crop above the soil surface. Havea long root crop is submerged in the ground only a third of its length.
- The unique ability to cook quickly distinguishes this beet. The Cylinder variety is suitable for preparing various dishes and preserving.
- The variety has good keeping quality, it is stored until the next harvest without signs of rot.
Disease and pest control
Cylinder beets are immune to most diseases, but the necessary measures must be taken. Maximum attention must be paid to the prevention of diseases, preventing them.
The appearance of diseases is promoted by:
- heavy soil texture;
- excessive moisture;
- thickening of plants;
- getting seedlings under frost;
- care errors.
Preventive measures:
- compliance with the rules of crop rotation;
- competent preparation of seeds and beds;
- implementation of agrotechnical rules for care.
If, contrary to all the points fulfilled, painful phenomena have appeared, we will consider specific measures to combat them:
- Fomoz. Fungal type of the disease. It is manifested by rot in the core of the fruit, spots on the lower leaves. The reason is the lack of boron. We apply foliar treatment with boric acid.
- Downy mildew. Lilac-gray bloom on the leaves, the leaves dry out and rot. We apply fungicides.
- Cercosporosis. Oppresses the tops, prevents the development of the root crop. The reason is a lack of potassium. We carry out feeding with ash or potassium chloride. We monitor the timely weeding.
- Korneed. Black leg infectious disease. The reason is that the soil does not breathe, it is heavy and too moist. We deoxidize the soil with chalk, lime, loosen the aisles. We introduce boron. We destroy diseased plants.
- Brown rot. Gray bloom on beets. The reason is the excess of nitrogen at high humidity. The cardinal measure of control is the destruction of diseased plants. It is not recommended to use this area for beets for 2-3 years.
- Insects are pests. Beet fly and aphid, flea beetles, scutellus Deep digging of ridges in the fall and regular weeding will help prevent their appearance. Control measures are the use of insecticides such as Inta-Vir, the use of folk methods.
Recall that a prerequisite for a high, healthy harvest is competent care in compliance with all agrotechnical rules.