How to Grow Beet Candy Stripe Golden
Beet Candy Stripe Golden
Beta vulgaris subsp. vulgaris
vegetableCandy Stripe Golden is a stunning heirloom beet variety featuring golden-yellow roots with striking red and white concentric stripes running through the flesh. It offers a mild, sweet flavor with tender greens suitable for cooking or salads. This visually dramatic beet variety combines ornamental appeal with excellent culinary qualities.
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Growing Conditions
Soil
Growing Zones
Find your zone →Thrives in zones 2-9; grows as cool-season crop in most regions
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Growth Stages
Germination & Seedling
2-3 weeksSeeds sprout into small seedlings with 2-3 true leaves. Beet seeds are actually seed clusters, so seedlings often emerge in groups.
Thin seedlings to 3-inch spacing when they have 2-3 true leaves. Keep soil consistently moist but avoid waterlogging. Provide adequate light to prevent leggy growth.
Vegetative Growth
3-4 weeksYoung plants develop a rosette of true leaves and begin forming the root system underground. Foliage is deep green with prominent veining.
Maintain consistent moisture and cool temperatures (ideal 60-70°F). Thin to final spacing if not done earlier. Remove any seed leaves that remain. Begin light mulching to cool soil and retain moisture.
Root Development
3-4 weeksThe root begins swelling below ground while leaves continue expanding above. Underground, the characteristic striped pattern begins forming in the flesh.
Ensure consistent watering without waterlogging. Side-dress with compost if needed. Keep mulch away from the crown to allow root expansion. Avoid high nitrogen fertilizer.
Root Maturation
2-3 weeksRoots reach full size with pronounced striping visible if pulled slightly. Leaves are full and vigorous; the plant has a dense foliage crown.
Continue consistent watering. Monitor for bolting in warm weather. Roots can be harvested at any size but are most tender at 1.5-2.5 inches diameter.
Harvest Ready
OngoingRoots are full-sized and tender with visible striping. Leaves remain fresh and edible. Plants may bolt if temperatures stay warm for extended periods.
Harvest promptly when roots reach desired size to prevent splitting and woody texture. Can be harvested early for baby beets or left for larger roots.
Common Pests
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Use floating row covers on seedlings; spray neem oil if infestation occurs; encourage beneficial insects
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Remove affected leaves; use row covers; apply spinosad spray if severe
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Handpick larger larvae; use Bt (Bacillus thuringiensis); maintain good garden sanitation
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Spray strong water spray to dislodge; apply insecticidal soap; use reflective mulches; encourage natural predators
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Improve air circulation; water at soil level; remove affected leaves; apply sulfur or copper fungicide if needed
Uses
Roasting & Fresh Cooking
CulinaryCandy Stripe Golden beets have a mild, sweet flavor perfect for roasting, steaming, boiling, or grating raw. The golden exterior and red-white striped interior create stunning visual presentation in salads, grain bowls, and side dishes. [source]
Greens for Salads & Cooking
CulinaryYoung beet greens are tender and nutritious, ideal for fresh salads or wilted like spinach. They offer an earthy flavor and are rich in vitamins and minerals. [source]
Pickling & Preservation
CulinaryThe firm texture and sweet flavor of beets make them excellent for pickling whole or sliced. Both the roots and greens can be preserved for long-term storage. [source]
Blood Pressure & Athletic Performance
MedicinalBeets are rich in nitrates, which convert to nitric oxide in the body, supporting cardiovascular health and blood pressure regulation. Athletes use beet juice to improve oxygen utilization. [source]
Natural Dye & Food Coloring
HouseholdThe red and golden pigments in beets (betalains) can be used as natural food dyes and colorants for baking, or extracted for natural dye projects in textiles and crafts. [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 are 1.5-2.5 inches in diameter, typically 55-75 days from planting. Gently pull roots, or carefully dig to avoid damaging adjacent plants. Candy Stripe Goldens can be left in ground for larger roots (up to 3+ inches) but are most tender when younger. Both roots and greens are edible—greens are best harvested when young and tender. In mild climates, leave roots in ground and harvest throughout fall/winter; in cold climates, harvest before heavy frost and store in cool (32-40°F), humid conditions with sand or sawdust.
Fun Facts
- 🌱 The striking red and white stripes in Candy Stripe Golden beets are caused by betalain pigments (specifically betacyanin for the red and betaxanthin for the golden-yellow coloring), which are also responsible for the vegetable's impressive health benefits.
- 🌱 Beet seeds are actually clusters of seeds fused together, which is why seedlings often emerge in groups and must be thinned—a single 'seed ball' can contain 2-4 individual embryos.
- 🌱 Candy Stripe Golden is an heirloom variety that's been saved and replanted by gardeners for generations; it's often called 'Chioggia' in Italy, where it has been cultivated since at least the 18th century.
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