Are these a rare or special type of beet? I ask because huge packets of the common varieties are available for a couple of dollars and if not all are used, they store for several years in a paper envelope in a shoe box on the closet shelf just like most vegetable seeds.

Is it really worth all the work and trouble to overwinter plants and wait until they go to seed next year just to save a few seeds? If so then yes they will have to be thickly mulched (6" straw minimum), kept watered throughout the winter as needed, uncovered in spring after all danger of freeze, and then wait for them to bolt in the summer, dry on the plant and then harvest the seeds early next fall.

Dave

I'm just trying to save seed that I can and see if things appear to become better adapted to the climate here. Generally short spring then gets hot and dry, followed by monsoon rains in July. so it's not about the cost. I will likely try both. thanks for the info.