Crosby Egyptian is an 1880 heirloom from Germany, grown mostly above soil without tough shoulders. Roots stay very sweet and early, picked at 1 inch for babies or up to 3 inches across.
Sow 1/2 inch deep outdoors in early spring once soil reaches 50F, 1-2 inches apart, then thin to 3-4 inches when 2-4 inches tall. Indoors, start 4-6 weeks before last frost. Sprouts in 5-10 days at 50-85F; soaking overnight helps. Keep soil rich and evenly moist, sow every 2 weeks, and cut tops 2 inches above roots for storage. One packet plants a 20-25 foot row.
