Touchstone Gold Beet

Beta vulgaris    

Seeds per pack ~ 50

Germination: 86% January 2025

Origins and History

Touchstone Golden Beet is a modern refinement of the classic heirloom Golden Detroit beet, which dates back to the early 20th century and became beloved for its mild, non-bleeding golden flesh. Developed through selective breeding to maintain the traditional color while improving germination and uniformity, Touchstone Golden offers all the flavor and charm of its predecessor with better consistency for both home gardeners and market growers. Its lineage ties back to the long history of beets cultivated in the Mediterranean and later adapted in Europe and North America as both a root and leafy crop.

Appearance and Characteristics

Touchstone Golden produces smooth, round roots with brilliant golden-orange skin and deep golden flesh that retains its color even after cooking. The interior is tender and sweet, lacking the earthy undertones common to red beets. Its green tops with light golden stems are also edible and nutritious. The roots typically reach 2–3 inches in diameter and have a fine texture, making them ideal for bunching or baby-beet harvest.

Culinary Uses

This variety is prized in the kitchen for its sweetness, mild flavor, and vibrant color that doesn’t bleed onto other ingredients. The golden roots are excellent roasted, steamed, or sliced raw into salads for a colorful accent. They pair beautifully with citrus, goat cheese, and fresh herbs. The greens can be sautéed or added to soups and stir-fries, similar to chard or spinach. Because of its non-staining quality, Touchstone Golden is particularly popular in gourmet and fresh-market cooking.

Growing Tips

Touchstone Golden thrives in full sun and well-drained, loamy soil with a pH between 6.0 and 7.0. It can be sown directly outdoors as soon as soil can be worked in spring and again for a fall crop. Ideal for USDA Zones 2–10, beets prefer cooler temperatures, growing best between 50°F and 75°F. Sow seeds about ½ inch deep and 1 inch apart, with rows spaced 12–18 inches apart. Thin seedlings to 3–4 inches apart once established to give roots room to mature. Maintain consistent moisture for uniform growth and tender roots.

Harvesting Guidance

Touchstone Golden Beets mature in about 55–60 days. For baby beets, harvest when roots are 1½ inches across; for full size, allow them to reach 3 inches. Gently loosen soil before pulling to avoid damaging the smooth skins. The greens can be harvested earlier for fresh eating. After harvest, remove tops about an inch above the root to preserve freshness. When stored in a cool, humid environment, roots can keep for several weeks.