Also known as Crosby's Early Egyptian, this heirloom variety originated in Germany and is a standard early bunching beet. Heart-shaped roots are flattened and dark red in color, while the erect tops are medium green and grow up to 16" tall. It matures in about 55 days.
In spite of their name, this beet actually came to America in 1869 via Germany, not Egypt. Crosby's Egyptian beets come from the work and research of Josiah Crosby of Massachusetts, who later sold his seeds to his colleague James Gregory. Mr. Gregory made this type of beet available to the public in 1885.