How to Grow Beet Candy Stripe Golden Bull's Blood
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Beet Candy Stripe Golden Bull's Blood
Beta vulgaris subsp. vulgaris
vegetableA striking multi-variety beet collection featuring candy-striped roots with red and white concentric rings, golden-yellow flesh, and deep burgundy Bull's Blood foliage. These heirloom beets combine stunning visual appeal with excellent flavor, offering growers three distinct varieties in one diverse planting. The colorful roots and ornamental leaves make them as beautiful in the garden as they are on the plate.
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Example Beet Candy Stripe Golden Bull's Blood timeline · Pittsburgh, PA (Zone 6b)
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Plant Beet Candy Stripe Golden Bull's Blood
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 Golden Bull's Blood
Around Jun 6≈ 50 days after planting
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Growing Conditions
Soil
Growing Zones
Find your zone →Thrives in zones 2-9, with best performance in cool-season climates (zones 3-8)
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Germination & Seedling
2-3 weeksSeeds sprout within 7-10 days; cotyledons emerge followed by true leaves; seedlings are delicate with thin stems
Keep soil consistently moist but not waterlogged; thin aggressively when seedlings are 1-2 inches tall to prevent overcrowding; use scissors to avoid disturbing remaining plants; maintain full sun
Vegetative Growth
2-3 weeksRapid leaf development with 4-6 true leaves; root systems expanding underground; foliage becomes increasingly ornamental, especially Bull's Blood variety with deep burgundy color
Thin to final spacing if not done earlier; maintain consistent moisture and fertilize with balanced NPK or nitrogen-rich feed for foliage development; begin regular mulching; monitor for leaf spot diseases
Root Bulking
3-4 weeksRoot enlargement accelerates; visible swelling at soil surface; characteristic striped patterns and golden color develop; leaves remain vigorous and edible
Maintain steady watering without waterlogging; provide consistent nitrogen and potassium; side-dress with compost if needed; the Bull's Blood foliage can be harvested for greens without damaging roots; ensure mulch doesn't touch crown to prevent rot
Maturation & Harvest Readiness
1-2 weeks before peak harvestRoots reach 1.5-3 inches in diameter depending on variety; colors fully develop with vibrant striping and golden hues; foliage begins to mature; roots may partially protrude above soil surface
Continue consistent watering up to harvest; reduce nitrogen, increase potassium for better storage sugars; monitor for cracks indicating overwatering; small roots can be harvested for tender beets; larger roots store better if fully mature
Harvest & Storage
Harvest window is 2-3 weeksRoots at optimal size (2-3 inches diameter); all color patterns fully expressed; greens fully mature and edible; roots ready for pulling and storage
Harvest before hard frost by gently loosening soil and pulling by the leaves; trim greens 1-2 inches above crown; brush off soil gently; cure in cool, humid place for 2-3 weeks before storage; store at 32°F with high humidity for 4-6 months
Companion Planting
Plan your garden →Plant with:
Avoid planting near:
Common Pests
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Remove affected leaves; spray with neem oil or spinosad in early morning; encourage natural predators like parasitic wasps
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Strong water spray to dislodge; insecticidal soap; neem oil; attract beneficial insects like ladybugs and lacewings
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Remove and destroy affected leaves; cover young plants with row covers; spinosad spray if severe; encourage parasitic wasp populations
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Row covers on young seedlings; neem oil spray; diatomaceous earth; avoid planting near cabbage family crops
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Hand-pick caterpillars; Bt (Bacillus thuringiensis) spray; spinosad; maintain crop cleanliness to remove debris
Uses
Raw & Roasted Roots
CulinaryUse candy-striped and golden varieties raw in salads for stunning color contrast, or roast whole to concentrate natural sugars. The sweet, mild flavor improves with cooking. [source]
Nutritious Greens
CulinaryThe Bull's Blood foliage provides edible, nutrient-dense leaves rich in vitamins and minerals, similar to spinach or chard. Harvest young leaves for salads or cook mature leaves like other greens. [source]
Natural Nitrate Source
MedicinalBeets contain high levels of dietary nitrates that convert to nitric oxide in the body, supporting cardiovascular health and blood flow. Both roots and greens provide this benefit. [source]
Natural Food Dye & Stain
HouseholdThe deep red juice from candy-striped varieties and golden pigments create natural dyes for fabrics and foods. Betalains in the roots produce vibrant, food-safe colorants. [source]
Ornamental Garden Feature
CraftThe striking Bull's Blood foliage with deep burgundy color and candy-striped roots make these beets beautiful decorative plants. Perfect for edible ornamental gardens and companion planting for visual interest. [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 are 1.5-3 inches in diameter for tender, sweet beets; can harvest as microgreens at 2-3 weeks; main roots typically ready 50-70 days from planting. Pull gently or loosen soil first to avoid damage. The Bull's Blood foliage can be harvested continuously for use as nutritious greens. For peak sweetness and color development, harvest in cool weather before or just after frost. Leave 1 inch of stem attached when storing. Beets store exceptionally well in cool (32-40°F), humid conditions for 4-6 months.
Fun Facts
- 🌱 Candy Stripe beets display a remarkable pattern of alternating red and white concentric rings that develop as the root grows in distinct layers throughout the season. This bullseye effect is genetic and fully develops only at maturity.
- 🌱 Bull's Blood is an heirloom variety dating back centuries, originally cultivated for its distinctively dark burgundy foliage which is actually more nutritious in some compounds than the roots themselves, making it as valuable as a leafy green.
- 🌱 A single beet seed is actually a cluster of 2-4 seeds fused together, which is why 'thinning' is essential for proper spacing—this is not a gardening mistake but the plant's natural reproduction strategy.
Gardening Terms
New to gardening? Learn about terms used in this guide:
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