Grow a garden filled with Chioggia Beets, from freshly harvested Beta vulgaris seeds. Chioggia is an heirloom variety that has been in circulation since the early 1800's. Its outer skin is a bright red, while its inner flesh is candy-striped in appearance. Cut in half, the innards look just like a bull's-eye, with alternating red-white rings. The roots grow to a good 2 to 3 inches in diameter, sitting beneath 12 inch, leafy greens on the surface. Both the roots and the actual greens can be eaten. The tops, as well as the bottoms are used in salads. The leafy greens of Chioggia Beets make a delicious and nutritious alternative to spinach, while its roots are mild and sweet flavored.
Beets, or "Beetroots" are an easy variety of vegetable to grow in your home garden. They date back to as early as 2,000 B.C., spreading from Babylonia to China, around 850 A.D. Forming round, globe shaped roots, Chioggia Beets grow much like carrots, turnips and radishes. Categorized as an annual, they grow quickly in the cooler temperatures of early Spring and late Fall. Once they are fully grown, they can be harvested, thus ending their lifecycle. If temperatures become too hot, your beets will begin to bolt. This simply means that your Beetroot plants will no longer send its energy to produce its roots, instead it will produce seeds.This can be beneficial if you are looking to collect seeds to regrow the following season.