How to Grow Beet Candy Stripe Cylindra
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Beet Candy Stripe Cylindra
Beta vulgaris subsp. vulgaris
vegetableCandy Stripe Cylindra is a striking heirloom beet variety featuring distinctive concentric rings of pink/red and white flesh, with an elongated cylindrical root shape ideal for slicing. The sweet, tender roots mature quickly and maintain their vibrant striped pattern when cooked. This variety combines ornamental beauty with excellent culinary qualities and superior slicing presentation.
When should you plant Beet Candy Stripe Cylindra in your zone?
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Example Beet Candy Stripe Cylindra timeline · Pittsburgh, PA (Zone 6b)
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Plant Beet Candy Stripe Cylindra
Around Apr 17Near Pittsburgh's average last spring frost.
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Tend & protect
Late spring–summerWatering, feeding, and pest-watch reminders.
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Harvest Beet Candy Stripe Cylindra
Around Jun 6≈ 50 days after planting
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Growing Conditions
Soil
Growing Zones
Find your zone →Thrives in zones 2-9; prefers cooler seasons
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Germination & Seedling
2-3 weeksSeeds sprout within 5-10 days; cotyledons emerge followed by first true leaves. Seedlings are delicate with thin stems.
Keep soil consistently moist but not waterlogged. Thin seedlings to proper spacing when 2-3 inches tall (beet seeds are multigerm, producing clusters). Provide bright light to prevent legginess.
Vegetative Growth
2-3 weeksFoliage develops rapidly with characteristic dark green leaves and reddish stems. Root begins expanding underground with visible shoulder emerging from soil.
Water regularly and deeply; mulch around plants to retain moisture and regulate soil temperature. Monitor for leaf spots or pests. Begin light fertilizing with balanced NPK if soil is lean.
Root Development
2-3 weeksThe cylindrical root thickens and lengthens; the distinctive candy-striped pattern becomes visible as the root enlarges. Foliage continues growing but growth focuses on root expansion.
Maintain even moisture to ensure uniform stripe development and tender texture. Avoid excessive nitrogen, which promotes foliage over roots. Keep weeds controlled to reduce competition.
Pre-Harvest Maturity
1-2 weeksRoots reach 5-7 inches long with full candy-stripe pattern visible. Shoulders typically 1-2 inches in diameter; roots feel firm when gently squeezed.
Reduce watering slightly to concentrate sugars and improve flavor. Continue pest monitoring. Plants can be harvested at any size from baby beets (tender) to full maturity (deeper flavor).
Harvest & Storage
Harvest readyMature roots are plump, firm, and fully striped. Foliage may show some yellowing at edges, indicating peak maturity.
Harvest by gently loosening soil and pulling. Cut greens to 1 inch above root. Cure roots in cool location for 1-2 weeks before storage to harden skin. Store at 32-40°F in humid conditions (root cellar or refrigerator) for 2-3 months.
Companion Planting
Plan your garden →Plant with:
Avoid planting near:
Common Pests
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Row covers over young plants; neem oil spray; diatomaceous earth; resistant varieties
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Remove affected leaves; yellow sticky traps; spinosad spray; encourage parasitic wasps
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Strong water spray to dislodge; insecticidal soap; neem oil; attract ladybugs with companion plants
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Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt); hand-picking; insecticidal soap for young larvae
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Improve air circulation; remove infected leaves; copper fungicide; rotate crops yearly
Uses
Roasting & Slicing
CulinaryThe cylindrical shape and candy stripes make Cylindra beets ideal for even roasting and beautiful sliced presentations in salads, grain bowls, and plating. The sweet, tender flesh cooks evenly and the stripes remain vibrant when roasted at high heat. [source]
Pickling & Preservation
CulinaryBaby beets are exceptional for whole pickling, while mature roots can be sliced for elegant layered pickles. The sweet variety resists mushiness when pickled and the striped pattern adds visual appeal to preserved jars. [source]
Juicing & Smoothies
CulinaryThe high sugar and nutrient content makes Candy Stripe excellent for fresh-pressed juice or blended smoothies. The natural sweetness requires no added sugar. [source]
Cardiovascular & Athletic Support
MedicinalBeets are rich in dietary nitrates that convert to nitric oxide, supporting blood pressure regulation and endurance performance. Regular consumption may improve blood flow and oxygen utilization. [source]
Natural Food Coloring
HouseholdThe vibrant betalain pigments in beet juice create stunning natural pink, magenta, and red dyes for frosting, pasta dough, and decorative culinary applications without artificial food coloring. [source]
This is not medical advice. LizPlants is not a medical resource. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional before using plants medicinally.
Harvest Tips
Begin harvesting when roots reach 1-2 inches diameter (baby beets are tender and sweet, excellent for pickling or roasting whole). For full-size mature roots with maximum striped pattern, harvest at 5-7 inches diameter. Pull gently to avoid bruising the striking pattern. Leaves can be harvested separately throughout the season for salads and cooking. For seed saving, allow one plant to bolt in second year (biennial). Best flavor is achieved when harvested in cool weather; hot weather can produce tougher, more fibrous roots.
Fun Facts
- 🌱 Candy Stripe Cylindra is an Italian heirloom variety (sometimes called 'Chioggia' in European seed catalogs) that dates back centuries, originally cultivated in the Veneto region and prized for its artistic striping effect that develops during growth.
- 🌱 The distinctive pink and white rings only become visible when the beet is sliced; they develop through natural pigment distribution in concentric layers, creating a striking contrast that makes these beets a favorite for chefs and food photographers.
- 🌱 Beet leaves (beet greens) contain more nutrient density than the root itself, with higher levels of vitamins A, K, and folate—don't discard the greens; sauté them like spinach or add raw young leaves to salads.
Gardening Terms
New to gardening? Learn about terms used in this guide:
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