Lutz Green Leaf Beet is a cold-hardy vegetable that thrives in zones 2 through 10, earning its reputation as a 'winterkeeper' for its exceptional storage longevity. The reddish-purple roots reach about 6 inches in diameter and can grow substantially larger without becoming woody, a rare trait in large beets. What really sets this variety apart, though, is its stunning glossy green foliage, which gardeners praise as much as the roots themselves. Ready to harvest in 30 to 70 days depending on your target root size, Lutz Green Leaf delivers both a sweet, tender root crop and abundant greens for the kitchen.
Photo © True Leaf Market
Growing Conditions
USDA Zone
2-10
Sunlight
Full Sun
Water
High
Preferred Temp60-75°F
Growth Stats
10 in
Height
—
Width
5 in
Spacing
30–39
Days to Harvest
PeriodBiennial
TypeHerbaceous
Plant Profile
Sunlight
Full Sun
Water
High
Zones
2-10
Size
10in H x ?in W
Growth
Biennial
Care
High
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Highlights
The glossy, abundant green tops are genuinely spectacular, earning this variety a devoted following among gardeners who value the leaves as much as the roots. Lutz Green Leaf roots stay tender and sweet even when they reach exceptional sizes, resisting the woody texture that plagues many large beet varieties. Its standing capability and storage longevity make it the clear choice for fall planting and winter harvest, especially in colder climates where this variety truly shines.
Common Uses
Both the roots and greens are edible and eagerly harvested. The tender young leaves work beautifully in salads or as quick-cooked greens, while the mature roots roast, boil, or pickle for storage. The greens are harvested selectively, taking one or two mature leaves per plant while leaving enough foliage to support continued root development. The sweet roots store exceptionally well, making them valuable for winter cooking when fresh vegetables are scarce.
Growing Timeline
First Bloom
Late Spring
First Harvest
Mid-summer
Last Harvest
Early Fall
Care Instructions
Direct Sow
Direct sow seeds into prepared beds, spacing them according to your desired final plant spacing. The variety is typically direct seeded rather than started indoors. Days to maturity are calculated from the date of direct seeding.
Harvesting
Harvest roots at any size once they reach maturity, though small roots tend to be more tender. Loosen the soil gently around each root before pulling to avoid damage. The greens can be harvested continuously by selecting one or two mature leaves per plant while leaving several leaves to support continued root development. Avoid harvesting leaves once they exceed 6 inches in height, as they become tough and fibrous at that stage. For winter storage, harvest roots before a hard freeze and trim the tops close to the root, leaving no greens attached.
Growing Calendar
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Companion Planting
Ecology & Traits
Edible
Scientific Classification
Beta patellaris Moq.
Family
Amaranthaceae
Genus
Beta
Duration
Biennial
Native Status
L48 (I)PR (I)
History & Origin
“Lutz Green Leaf emerged as a beet for gardeners seeking both immediate greens and long-term storage. The variety earned its 'winterkeeper' nickname by becoming a staple for cold-climate growers who valued its ability to store reliably through winter months without quality loss. This dual-purpose nature, delivering generous greens early while the roots mature for storage, established Lutz as a practical choice for homesteaders and market gardeners managing seasonal harvests.”