Chioggia Beet Planting Guide
Italian heirloom beet with red-and-white rings and mild sweet flavor
Flavor notes: Mild, sweet beet with less earthiness.
Variety notes: Striped Italian beet best harvested small to medium.
Best Time and Place to Plant Beet
In USDA zone 7, the typical spring window is March 1 to May 1. Cooler zones usually plant later; warmer zones plant earlier.
Plant Chioggia Beet in a spot with 6+ hours of direct sun, soil warmed to 45F to 85F, and enough room for 4 inches between plants and 12 inches between rows.
Planting Windows by Zone
| Zone | Spring | Fall |
|---|---|---|
| Zone 1 | May 1 to June 15 | August 1 to August 30 |
| Zone 2 | April 20 to June 10 | August 10 to September 15 |
| Zone 3 | April 10 to May 30 | August 15 to September 30 |
| Zone 4 | April 1 to May 20 | August 20 to October 1 |
| Zone 5 | March 20 to May 15 | August 25 to October 10 |
| Zone 6 | March 10 to May 10 | September 1 to October 20 |
| Zone 7 | March 1 to May 1 | September 10 to November 1 |
| Zone 8 | February 15 to April 20 | September 20 to November 15 |
| Zone 9 | February 1 to April 10 | October 1 to December 1 |
| Zone 10 | January 15 to March 30 | October 15 to December 15 |
| Zone 11 | Year-round to Year-round | Varies |
| Zone 12 | Year-round to Year-round | Varies |
| Zone 13 | Year-round to Year-round | Varies |
Spacing and Care
- Planting depth: 0.5 inches deep
- Spacing: 4 inches apart, 12 inches between rows
- Soil temperature: 45F to 85F
- Sunlight: 6+ hours
- Watering: Keep soil evenly moist for tender roots and steady growth
- Days to harvest: 55
Fertilization
- Compost organic: Work 1-2 inches into bed before planting
- Balanced 10-10-10 synthetic: Light side-dress after thinning if growth is pale
Companion Plants
- Onions
- Lettuce
- Cabbage
- Radishes
Avoid Planting Near
- Pole Beans
- Mustard
Harvest Signs
- Roots are 2-3 inches across
- Shoulders are visible above soil
- Greens are healthy and usable
- Harvest young for best ring pattern and tenderness
FAQs
When should I plant Beet?
Beet planting depends on your USDA hardiness zone. In USDA zone 7, the typical spring window is March 1 to May 1. Cooler zones usually plant later; warmer zones plant earlier.
What is the best time of year to plant Beet?
The best time of year to plant Beet is when your zone planting window is open and soil temperatures are around 45F to 85F. In USDA zone 7, the typical spring window is March 1 to May 1. Cooler zones usually plant later; warmer zones plant earlier.
Where is the best place to plant Beet?
Plant Chioggia Beet in a spot with 6+ hours of direct sun, soil warmed to 45F to 85F, and enough room for 4 inches between plants and 12 inches between rows.
How far apart should I plant Beet?
Plant Beet about 4 inches apart, with rows around 12 inches apart.
What grows well with Beet?
Beet is commonly paired with Onions, Lettuce, Cabbage, Radishes.