Organic Chioggia Beet Seeds

This striking Italian heirloom beet has alternating red and white rings running through its roots. When baked whole and sliced just before serving, this sweet variety retains its unique markings. The roots have an excellent sweet flavor! Tops are green with pink-striped stems and mild. It has approximately 60 days to maturity. 100 seeds. Non-GMO

Sowing: Direct sow seeds outside 4 weeks before the last expected frost. Soften the seeds by soaking them in water for 2 hours, then plant in full sun and well drained soil. Sow them 1" deep and 1" apart in rows 1-2' apart. Tamp down the earth above the seeds to ensure good contact with the soil, and germination should take place in 5-15 days. Add compost or other organic matter for healthy growth. For companion planting benefits, plant beets with bush beans, onions, or members of the cabbage family; avoid planting them near pole beans.

Growing: Since each beet "seed" holds up to 8 actual seeds, the seedlings will need to be thinned to 3" apart. The uprooted plants do well as a second crop, as transplanting them will set them about 2 weeks behind the original plants. Take care not to bruise the seedlings when weeding. They love cool weather, and can survive temperatures down to 25F.