Known as the Herb of the Doge of Venice, Beetroot 'Chioggia' is an heirloom variety originating from the Veneto region in Italy. This pedigree vegetable looks quite ordinary from the outside, but inside the flesh is coloured like a stick of rock, with extraordinary white and pink concentric rings. The colour does soften during cooking, but this mild-flavoured beetroot is also wonderful raw in salads - thinly sliced ??and dressed with lemon juice and extra virgin olive oil. It is rich in B vitamins. Height: 30cm (12"). Spread: 15cm (6").
Sowing
Direct sow beetroot seeds outdoors from March to July in a weed free, sunny position in fertile, light, well drained soil. Sow beetroot seeds thinly in shallow drills at a depth of 3cm (1") and 30cm (12") apart. Germination will usually take 12 to 24 days. When large enough to handle, thin out the seedlings within each row to 10cm (4") apart.
More Info
When growing beetroot, water as necessary to prevent the soil from drying out and keep the plants cool and moist. This will help to avoid plants running to seed. Roots can be lifted at any time from June to October once they have reached 1" diameter or more. Harvest any remaining crops before the first frosts. Beetroot can be stored until mid spring in boxes of moist sand in a frost free shed or garage.
