How to Grow Beetroot Candy Stripe

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Beetroot Candy Stripe

Beta vulgaris subsp. vulgaris

vegetable

Candy Stripe is a striking heirloom beetroot variety featuring distinctive white and deep red concentric rings when sliced, offering both visual appeal and sweet flavor. The roots are medium-sized, typically 2-3 inches in diameter, with tender greens that are also edible and nutrient-rich. This variety is a favorite for fresh market growers and home gardeners seeking ornamental yet delicious beets.

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Example Beetroot Candy Stripe timeline · Pittsburgh, PA (Zone 6b)

Plant Beetroot Candy Stripe
Around Apr 17

Near Pittsburgh's average last spring frost.
Tend & protect
Late spring–summer

Watering, feeding, and pest-watch reminders.
Harvest Beetroot Candy Stripe
Around Jun 11

≈ 55 days after planting

Sample dates for Pittsburgh, PA. Sign up to get exact Beetroot Candy Stripe dates for your own zip code.

Growing Conditions

☀️

Sun: Full sun, 6-8 hours daily minimum

💧

Water: Consistent moisture of 1-1.5 inches per week; avoid waterlogging which can cause root rot and reduce color vibrancy; soil should be evenly moist but not soggy

📏

Spacing: 3 inches

📅

Days to maturity: 55-70 days

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Planting depth: 0.5-1 inch

Soil

Type: Well-draining loamy soil with good organic matter

pH: 6.0-7.5

Amendments:

compost aged manure peat moss perlite for drainage

Growing Zones

Find your zone →

Thrives in zones 2-9; prefers cooler seasons in zones 7-9

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

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Growth Stages

Germination

7-10 days

Seeds sprout and first leaves (cotyledons) emerge; seedlings are delicate and small

Keep soil consistently moist but not waterlogged; thin seedlings to proper spacing once 2-3 leaves appear; each seed cluster may produce multiple seedlings requiring thinning

Seedling & Early Growth

2-3 weeks

True leaves develop and seedlings establish; small green foliage visible above soil

Continue thinning to 3 inches apart; water regularly; provide full sun; avoid nitrogen-heavy fertilizers which promote excessive leaf growth at expense of roots

Root Development

3-4 weeks

Roots begin swelling underground; foliage grows larger with multiple leaves; characteristic red coloring intensifies in roots

Maintain consistent watering; mulch around plants to retain moisture and keep soil cool; remove weeds; monitor for pests; avoid over-fertilizing

Maturation

2-3 weeks

Roots reach 2-3 inches diameter with fully developed striped pattern; greens are lush and vibrant; shoulders of roots may slightly protrude above soil

Continue regular watering; maintain moisture consistency to prevent cracking; check roots by gently uncovering crown area; harvest greens selectively if desired

Harvest Ready

Ongoing until frost

Roots are firm, full-sized with distinct candy stripe pattern visible; greens are tender or may be larger depending on harvest preference

Harvest when roots reach desired size (can harvest smaller at 2 inches for baby beets); pull carefully or loosen soil first; harvest before hard frost for best quality

Companion Planting

Plan your garden →

Plant with:

onion garlic lettuce spinach Swiss chard cabbage broccoli carrot kohlrabi

Avoid planting near:

pole beans bush beans mustard greens

Common Pests

Remove affected leaves; apply neem oil; remove plant debris; encourage natural predators
Use row covers on young plants; apply insecticidal soap; dust with diatomaceous earth; companion plant with repellent herbs
Spray with strong water jet; apply insecticidal soap or neem oil; introduce ladybugs; avoid excessive nitrogen fertilizer
Hand-pick larvae; remove and destroy infested plant material; use Bacillus thuringiensis; maintain garden cleanliness
Ensure proper drainage; avoid overwatering; rotate crops; remove infected plants; use well-draining soil

Uses

🍳

Striking salad ingredient and roasted vegetable

Culinary

The spectacular candy stripe pattern makes these beets a visual showpiece in fresh salads, grain bowls, and charcuterie boards. When roasted or boiled, the concentric rings become even more pronounced, adding gourmet appeal to any plate. The sweet, tender flesh works beautifully in vinaigrettes and pairs well with goat cheese, walnuts, and microgreens. [source]

🍳

Tender greens for cooking and raw preparations

Culinary

The young greens are tender enough for raw salads when harvested early and can be sautéed like spinach when more mature. Rich in vitamins and minerals, beet greens are increasingly recognized as a nutritious food in their own right. They pair excellently with garlic, olive oil, and citrus. [source]

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Natural source of dietary nitrates and antioxidants

Medicinal

Beets are renowned for their high nitrate content, which the body converts to nitric oxide for cardiovascular health and improved blood flow. The rich pigments (betalains) provide powerful antioxidant and anti-inflammatory compounds supporting overall wellness. [source]

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Natural food coloring and dye

Household

The vibrant deep red pigments from Candy Stripe beets can be used to naturally color foods, frosting, and beverages without artificial dyes. The juice also produces beautiful natural dyes for textiles and crafts. [source]

🎨

Ornamental vegetable garden aesthetic

Craft

The stunning striped cross-section makes Candy Stripe beetroot a showstopper in potagers, ornamental vegetable gardens, and farm-to-table restaurant plantings. The colorful foliage and dramatic reveal when sliced make this variety as visually striking as many ornamental plants. [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 2-3 inches diameter, typically 55-70 days from planting; grasp top of beet and gently pull from moist soil; can harvest smaller baby beets or wait for larger roots; cut greens 1-2 inches above root and use separately in salads or cooking; harvest before first frost in cold climates; store roots in cool, humid conditions (32-40°F) for up to 3 months after removing most of the greens; fresh greens should be used within 3-5 days

Fun Facts

🌱 Candy Stripe is an Italian heirloom variety, also known as 'Barbabietola Chioggia,' named after the Italian coastal town of Chioggia where it originated in the 19th century
🌱 The distinctive red and white striping is caused by the irregular deposition of betalain pigments and is most pronounced and beautiful in the Candy Stripe variety, making each slice a work of natural art
🌱 Unlike many red beets, Candy Stripe beets don't 'bleed' excessively in cooking, making them ideal for dishes where you want to retain the striking visual appearance without red discoloration

Gardening Terms

New to gardening? Learn about terms used in this guide:

Crown Full Sun Heirloom Mulch Thinning True Leaves

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