How to Grow Candy Stripe Beet
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Candy Stripe Beet
Beta vulgaris subsp. vulgaris
vegetableCandy Stripe is a striking heirloom beet variety with vibrant concentric rings of red and white throughout the root and flesh. This beet produces tender, sweet roots with a milder flavor than traditional dark beets and is as beautiful when sliced as it is nutritious. The edible greens are also excellent for cooking or raw consumption.
When should you plant Candy Stripe Beet in your zone?
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Example Candy Stripe Beet timeline · Pittsburgh, PA (Zone 6b)
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Plant Candy Stripe Beet
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 Candy Stripe Beet
Around Jun 11≈ 55 days after planting
Sample dates for Pittsburgh, PA. Sign up to get exact Candy Stripe Beet dates for your own zip code.
Growing Conditions
Soil
Growing Zones
Find your zone →Thrives in zones 2-9; prefers cooler seasons but adaptable across most climates
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Seed Germination & Emergence
1-2 weeksSeeds sprout within 7-10 days; seedlings emerge with cotyledons, gradually developing true leaves.
Keep soil moist during germination. Thin seedlings to proper spacing once true leaves appear. Each beet 'seed' is actually a seed cluster; thinning is essential.
Seedling & Early Growth
2-3 weeksYoung plants develop 4-6 true leaves; foliage is tender and bright green with prominent red/purple veining.
Maintain consistent moisture and provide full sun. Remove any remaining weak seedlings. Begin light fertilization if soil is poor.
Vegetative Growth & Root Development
3-4 weeksLeaves expand rapidly and roots begin swelling underground; the plant develops a bushy canopy with deep green foliage.
Maintain regular watering and remove weeds. Avoid high-nitrogen fertilizers which promote excessive leaf growth at the expense of roots. Side dress with balanced fertilizer if needed.
Root Expansion & Maturation
2-3 weeksRoots enlarge to 2-3 inches diameter; the characteristic candy-striped pattern becomes visible just at soil surface. Beet shoulders may protrude slightly above soil.
Continue consistent watering. Hill soil around exposed roots if desired to prevent greening. Reduce watering slightly in final week before harvest to concentrate sugars.
Harvest Readiness
Ready to harvestRoots reach market size (1.5-3 inches diameter); striping is fully developed and vibrant. Greens remain fresh and tender or can be more mature depending on intended use.
Check root size by gently clearing soil around the top. Harvest when desired size is reached; smaller roots (tennis ball-sized) are more tender. Can leave mature roots in ground for continued storage if soil doesn't freeze.
Companion Planting
Plan your garden →Plant with:
Avoid planting near:
Common Pests
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Use row covers on young plants, apply neem oil or pyrethrin spray; diatomaceous earth on foliage
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Strong water spray to dislodge, insecticidal soap, neem oil, encourage beneficial insects
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Remove affected leaves, use row covers, spinosad spray if needed
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Hand-pick affected leaves, apply Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt), neem oil
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and
(fungal)
Ensure excellent drainage, avoid overwatering, use sterile seed-starting mix, improve air circulation
Uses
Raw & Cooked Beets
CulinaryCandy Stripe beets are exceptional raw in salads where their striking rings provide visual appeal and mild, sweet flavor. They can also be roasted, boiled, steamed, or pickled, maintaining their beautiful color and tender texture. [source]
Beet Greens Preparation
CulinaryThe nutrient-dense greens are tender and delicious when young, excellent steamed, sautéed, or added to salads. They contain oxalic acid but are a rich source of vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. [source]
Cardiovascular Support
MedicinalBeets are renowned for their nitrate content, which supports healthy blood pressure and circulation. Candy Stripe beets retain these beneficial compounds and have traditionally been used in folk medicine for vitality. [source]
Natural Food Coloring
HouseholdThe vibrant red/pink pigments (betalains) can be extracted to create natural food dyes and colorants for baking, smoothies, and culinary presentations. [source]
Botanical Art & Display
CraftThe striking candy-striped cross-section makes these beets stunning for food photography, farm-to-table presentations, and botanical illustration due to their ornamental appearance. [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 (approximately 55-70 days). Smaller roots are more tender and sweet. Gently loosen soil and pull plants up, or use a garden fork to avoid bruising. Cut greens 2-3 inches above the root and use separately. Roots store well in cool, humid conditions (32-40°F, 90-95% humidity) for 4-5 months in a root cellar or refrigerator.
Fun Facts
- 🌱 Candy Stripe is an heirloom beet variety dating back to the 1800s, originally from Italy, and was nearly lost to commercial agriculture before seed savers preserved it.
- 🌱 The concentric rings are created by alternating layers of pigment-rich (betalain) and pigment-poor tissue that develop as the root grows—slicing at different angles reveals different ring patterns.
- 🌱 A single beet seed is actually a seed cluster containing 2-4 individual seeds, which is why thinning is essential; this trait is common to all beets and is called 'monogerm' or 'polygerm' depending on variety.
Gardening Terms
New to gardening? Learn about terms used in this guide:
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