Chioggia Beet
Beta vulgaris 'Chioggia'
vegetableA striking bicolor beet with alternating red-and-white concentric rings when sliced, named after the Italian town of Chioggia. Earthy sweet flavor similar to Detroit Dark Red but with a somewhat milder, less intense taste. Retains rings best when eaten raw or lightly cooked.
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Sun
full sun
💧
Water
Every 2 days
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Harvest
~55 days
📊
Difficulty
easy
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Lifecycle
biennial
Leaves year 1, flowers year 2
↔️
Spacing
3-4 in. apart (thinned)
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Planting Depth
1/2 in.
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Soil pH
6.0-7.0
Growing Details
Soil Type
Loose, well-draining
Hardiness Zones
Zones 3 – 10
Grown as an annual. This range is its winter hardiness, but you can grow it for a single season in any zone.
When to Fertilize
At sowing; side-dress lightly 4 weeks after germination
Fertilizer
Balanced 10-10-10; avoid excess nitrogen which promotes leafy growth over roots
🌱 Growing Guide
Direct sow as soon as soil can be worked in spring. Beets tolerate light frost. Thin to 3-4 inches to ensure good round roots. The concentric rings fade to pink with prolonged cooking; roast or pickle whole rather than boiling for the best visual effect.
Planting Calendar
Sign in to personalize →spring planting
🌿
Direct sow
Mar 25
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Projected first harvest
May 19
fall planting
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Direct sow
Aug 11
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Projected first harvest
Oct 5
JJan
FFeb
MMar
AApr
MMay
JJun
JJul
AAug
SSep
✅ Plant alongside
Good neighbors that attract beneficial insects or deter pests
- Onion family: Allium scent deters leaf miners that attack beet greens
- Lettuce: Compatible shallow-rooted companion for interplanting
- Brassicas: Compatible cool-season neighbors that share moisture well
- Kohlrabi: Compatible brassica that does not compete for the same root zone
❌ Keep away from
Pole Bean
🛡️ Pest & disease prevention
Proactive ways to stop trouble before it starts. Tap a name with an arrow for its full guide
Row cover from sowing; interplant with alliums; remove and destroy infested leaves promptly
Avoid overhead watering; rotate beets and related crops; space for airflow
Hose off; attract aphid predators with flowering companion plants
🌾 Harvest & storage
Pull when roots are 2-3 inches wide. The rings are most distinct and the flavor best at this size. Larger roots become woody and the rings less defined. Save and cook the greens like chard. Store roots without greens in the fridge for several weeks.
🥗 Nutrition & benefits
Good source of folate, manganese, potassium, and dietary nitrates that support cardiovascular health. Beet greens are high in vitamins K and A. Contains betaine, which supports liver function.
For educational and informational purposes only. HomeSown is not medical, health, or other professional advice. Always positively identify any plant before handling or eating it; some plants, and some parts of otherwise-edible plants, are toxic. Consult a qualified professional before consuming or otherwise using any plant, especially if you are pregnant, nursing, taking medication, or have a health condition.