BEET Seeds, Chioggia

Chioggia Beet (Beta vulgaris 'Chioggia') is an heirloom, open-pollinated Italian beet famous for its concentric red-and-white striped flesh. Sweet and mild, it makes a beautiful raw addition to salads.

At a glance

• Botanical name: Beta vulgaris 'Chioggia'
• Type: Heirloom, open-pollinated beet
• Root size: 2 to 3 inches across
• Sun: Full sun (6 to 8 hours)
• Soil: Well-drained, organic-rich, pH 6.0 to 7.0

Best for

• Raw slices in salads (to show the rings)
• Roasting and pickling
• Edible garnishes
• Cool-season gardens

How to grow

Direct sow in full sun in early spring or late summer in cool weather. Keep the soil evenly moist for tender, sweet roots. Thin seedlings to give roots room to size up. Harvest when roots reach 2 to 3 inches for the best texture and ring pattern.

Flavor profile

Sweet, mild, and tender with less earthiness than darker beets. The striped flesh is loveliest sliced raw, as the rings soften when cooked.

About 99Heirlooms

99Heirlooms is a seed company devoted to heirloom and open-pollinated varieties, giving home gardeners dependable seeds with the character and heritage of generations past.