Chioggia Guardsmark Beet Seed

While the vibrant red and white rings are most striking when raw, they do fade significantly when cooked. For the best visual impact, slice them thinly for salads or use them in dishes where they can be served raw or lightly pickled.

This variety is versatile enough for both methods. If you have a short growing season, starting them indoors is fine, but be careful when transplanting as beets generally prefer to be sown directly into the garden soil to avoid root disturbance.

Chioggia beets thrive in loose, loamy, and well-drained soil. If your garden has heavy clay, consider amending it with compost or growing in raised beds to ensure the roots can expand easily without obstruction.

For optimal root development, space your seeds 2 inches apart initially, then thin the seedlings to 3 inches apart. Keep your rows 12 to 18 inches apart to allow for easy weeding and airflow.

Yes, the tops are completely edible and quite attractive with their pink-striped stems. You can harvest them young for salads or cook them like Swiss chard or spinach.