Chioggia is a visually stunning beet with its iconic concentric rings of white and pink inside scarlet skin. This Italian heirloom boasts a mild, sweet flavor, making it a standout for fresh eating and specialty markets. Its vibrant appearance and excellent taste make it a favorite for gourmet salads and side dishes.
Beet Growing Guide
Outdoor Sowing (Directly in the Garden)
- Timing: Sow beet seeds outdoors as soon as the soil can be worked in early spring, typically 2-4 weeks before the last frost date. For a continuous harvest, sow seeds every 2-3 weeks until midsummer. For a fall crop, sow seeds in late summer.
- Location: Choose a sunny spot or an area with partial shade. Beets grow best in loose, well-draining, and fertile soil.
- Soil Preparation: Loosen the soil to a depth of 8-10 inches and incorporate compost or well-rotted manure to improve fertility and drainage. Remove rocks and debris to allow roots to grow properly. Beets thrive in soil with a pH of 6.0-7.0.
- Planting Seeds:
- Sow seeds 1/2 inch deep, spacing them 1-2 inches apart in rows.
- Space rows 12-18 inches apart for proper airflow and ease of harvesting.
- Thinning: Thin seedlings to 3-4 inches apart once they are about 2 inches tall. Use the thinned seedlings as baby greens in salads.
- Watering: Keep the soil consistently moist but not waterlogged. Water deeply and regularly, especially during dry periods, to ensure even root development.
Indoor Sowing (Starting Inside)
- Timing: Beets are typically sown directly outdoors, but they can be started indoors 4-6 weeks before the last frost date.
- Containers: Use seed trays or biodegradable pots to minimize root disturbance when transplanting.
- Planting:
- Sow seeds 1/2 inch deep, placing 1-2 seeds per pot or cell.
- Cover lightly with soil mix and water gently.
- Germination:
- Maintain a temperature of 50-75°F for optimal germination.
- Expect seedlings to emerge within 7-14 days.
- Transplanting: Transplant seedlings outdoors when soil temperatures are consistently above 50°F and the plants have 2-3 sets of true leaves. Space plants 3-4 inches apart in rows.
General Care Tips for Beets
- Sunlight: Provide full sun for best root development, but beets can tolerate partial shade, especially in warmer climates.
- Watering: Water consistently to keep the soil evenly moist but not soggy. Mulch around plants to retain moisture and reduce weeds.
- Fertilizing: Beets are moderate feeders. Incorporate compost into the soil before planting. Avoid high-nitrogen fertilizers, as they encourage leaf growth at the expense of roots.
- Weeding: Keep the area weed-free to reduce competition for nutrients and moisture. Beets have shallow roots, so weed carefully to avoid disturbing them.
- Harvesting: Harvest beets when roots are 1â€"3 inches in diameter, depending on the variety. Pull gently or loosen the soil around the roots with a fork. Beet greens can also be harvested while the plants are young.
- Storage: Store harvested beets in a cool, humid environment, such as a root cellar or refrigerator. Remove the greens before storage, leaving about 1 inch of the stem attached to prevent bleeding.
