Root vegetables
55days to harvest
7-14days to germinate
Z2–10USDA zones
Easy to Moderatedifficulty
HeirloomContainer friendly

Sowing

Direct sow 2-4 weeks before last frost. Plant seeds ½ inch deep in rows 12 inches apart. Thin when seedlings are 3 inches tall.

Cultivation

Sun
Full sun to partial shade (4-6 hours minimum)
Water
1 inch per week, even moisture prevents white ring loss
Soil
Well-drained loam with organic matter, avoid fresh manure
Soil pH
6.0-7.5
Spacing
3-4 inches
Height
10-12 inches
Season
Warm season annual

Appearance & flavour

Colour
Red and white concentric rings (candy cane striped)
Size
2-3 inches diameter
Shape
Round to slightly flattened globe
Flavour
Sweet and mild with less earthy flavor than regular beets

In the kitchen

Best served raw or lightly cooked to preserve pattern. Excellent in salads, light roasting, pickling, garnish.

Pests, disease & resistance

Pests
Leaf miners, flea beetles, aphids, wireworms
Diseases
Cercospora leaf spot, downy mildew, scab, damping-off
Resistance
Moderate disease resistance, similar to other beet varieties

Planting calendar by USDA zone

ZoneStart indoorsTransplantDirect sowHarvest
1——June – JulyJuly – September
2——May – JulyJuly – September
3——May – JuneJune – October
4——April – JuneJune – October
5——April – MayJune – November
6——April – MayMay – November
7——March – MayMay – November
8——March – AprilApril – December
9——February – MarchMarch – December
10——January – MarchMarch – December
11——January – FebruaryFebruary – December
12——January – FebruaryFebruary – December
13——January – FebruaryFebruary – December

Companion planting

8 beneficial pairings indexed for this variety, 3 to avoid.

LettuceShallow roots don't compete with beet taproots, provides living mulch
OnionsRepel aphids and other pests that commonly attack beets
GarlicNatural pest deterrent, helps repel root maggots and aphids
CarrotsDifferent root depths minimize competition, carrots help break up soil
RadishesQuick harvest allows space for beet development, helps loosen soil
Bush BeansFix nitrogen in soil which beets can utilize for leaf growth
SpinachSimilar growing conditions, shallow roots don't interfere with beet development
CabbageBeets help repel flea beetles that attack brassicas

Avoid

Pole BeansCan stunt beet growth and reduce root development through competition
MustardAllelopathic compounds can inhibit beet germination and growth
FennelInhibits growth of most garden plants including beets through allelopathy

Nutrition (per 100 g)

Protein (g)
1.69
Fat (g)
0.302
Carbohydrate (g)
8.79
Fibre (g)
3.12
Vitamin C (mg)
4.6
Folate (µg)
103
Calcium (mg)
13.8
Iron (mg)
0.428
Magnesium (mg)
21
Phosphorus (mg)
33.6
Potassium (mg)
342
Zinc (mg)
0.31

Where to buy seed and equipment

Some links are affiliate links. If you buy through them we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.

Growing it? There is a full cultivation guide at the root vegetables growing guide.

Cultivar facts compiled from public horticultural references including USDA GRIN and NC State Extension. Descriptions are original to this catalogue.

DarkGrow forum

Grown Chioggia Beet?

Post a crop report — day counts, reservoir readings, what worked. Variety-specific logs are the most useful thing on the forum.

Similar varieties

Other root vegetables with a comparable time to harvest, so a season that suits Chioggia Beet suits these too.

Browse all 56 root vegetables