How to Grow Beet Candy Stripe

Beet Candy Stripe

Beta vulgaris subsp. vulgaris

vegetable

Candy Stripe is a striking heirloom beet variety with vibrant concentric rings of red and white throughout the root and flesh. It offers both ornamental appeal and excellent sweet flavor, making it popular for fresh eating and culinary presentation. The variety is noted for its tender greens and globe-shaped roots.

Looking for a specific variety?

Chioggia Golden Detroit Dark Red Bull's Blood Cylindra Touchstone Gold

Growing Conditions

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Sun: Full sun, 6+ hours daily; tolerates partial shade in hot climates

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Water: Consistent moisture (1-1.5 inches weekly); avoid waterlogging. Keep soil evenly moist during root development for best color and tenderness.

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Spacing: 3-4 inches apart in rows 12-18 inches apart inches

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Days to maturity: 55-70 days

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Planting depth: 0.5-0.75 inches

Soil

Type: Well-draining loamy soil rich in organic matter

pH: 6.0-7.5

Amendments:

Compost aged manure peat moss boron (if deficient)

Growing Zones

Find your zone →

Thrives in zones 2-9; prefers cooler seasons in warmer zones

2a 2b 3a 3b 4a 4b 5a 5b 6a 6b 7a 7b 8a 8b 9a

Growth Stages

Seedling

2-3 weeks

Tiny cotyledons emerge with distinctive red-veined leaves. True leaves develop in 1-2 weeks with characteristic beet foliage.

Thin seedlings when 2-3 inches tall to proper spacing. Water gently to avoid disturbing delicate roots. Keep soil consistently moist but not soggy.

Vegetative Growth

3-4 weeks

Plant develops bushy foliage with characteristic heart-shaped leaves. No visible root enlargement yet, but root system establishes underground.

Maintain consistent watering and remove weeds regularly. Apply thin mulch layer to retain moisture. Thin remaining seedlings if needed.

Root Development

2-3 weeks

Roots begin to visibly enlarge, creating small bulges at soil surface. Foliage continues growing but growth slows relative to root expansion.

Continue regular watering; uneven moisture causes splitting and poor stripe formation. Avoid nitrogen-heavy fertilizers which promote greens over roots.

Maturation

2-3 weeks

Roots reach 1.5-3 inches in diameter with fully developed concentric red and white stripes visible at shoulder. Foliage may show some yellowing.

Maintain even soil moisture. Can harvest any time after reaching usable size, but waiting until full maturity develops best color striping.

Harvest Ready

Harvest window lasts 2-3 weeks

Roots are firm, globe-shaped, and 2-3 inches diameter. Distinctive striping is fully visible. Greens remain edible and tender.

Pull roots gently and cut greens 2 inches above root. Can be harvested smaller (baby beets) for tenderness or left longer for storage.

Companion Planting

Plan your garden →

Plant with:

Lettuce spinach Swiss chard onions garlic basil cilantro dill bush beans

Avoid planting near:

Pole beans fennel mustard greens

Common Pests

Remove affected leaves promptly; use floating row covers when young; spinosad or neem oil spray if severe
Strong water spray to dislodge; insecticidal soap; encourage beneficial insects; neem oil for heavy infestations
Floating row covers; kaolin clay spray; neem oil; diatomaceous earth
Remove affected foliage; improve air circulation; avoid overhead watering; fungicide if severe
Ensure well-draining soil; avoid waterlogging; practice crop rotation; remove affected plants

Uses

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Roasting & Fresh Cooking

Culinary

Candy Stripe beets are prized for roasting whole, slicing raw into salads, or pickling due to their sweet flavor and striking visual stripes. The tender greens are excellent sautéed or added to smoothies. [source]

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Table Presentation

Culinary

The dramatic concentric red and white rings make Candy Stripe ideal for impressive plated dishes, slaws, and garnishes. Slices reveal the natural striping pattern without peeling. [source]

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Nutritional & Antioxidant Benefits

Medicinal

Beets are rich in betalains (antioxidants), folate, manganese, and nitrates that support cardiovascular health and athletic performance. The greens contain lutein and zeaxanthin for eye health. [source]

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Natural Dye

Household

Beet juice and roots can be used to create pink to deep red natural dyes for fabrics, paper, and food coloring. [source]

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Pollinator Support

Wildlife

Mature beet plants allowed to bolt produce tall flower stalks that attract beneficial insects and pollinators to the garden. [source]

This is not medical advice. LizPlants is not a medical resource. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional before using plants medicinally.

Harvest Tips

Harvest when roots reach 1.5-3 inches in diameter for best texture and stripe visibility (55-70 days). Gently pull or dig roots to avoid damage. Cut greens 2 inches above root. For baby beets, harvest at 1-1.5 inches. Roots store well in cool (32-40°F), humid conditions for 2-4 months. Greens are best eaten fresh within days of harvest.

Fun Facts

🌱 Candy Stripe is an heirloom variety originating from Italy, prized for centuries for its striking appearance and historical significance in European cuisine.
🌱 The distinctive striping pattern develops due to natural pigment variation controlled by genetics and is most vibrant when grown in cooler seasons with consistent moisture and moderate nitrogen.
🌱 A single beet 'seed' is actually a seed ball containing 2-4 true seeds, which is why seedlings must be thinned; modern seed companies offer 'monogerm' varieties with single seeds.

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