SproutSmart
SproutSmart™ Intelligent Garden Sowing

Cylindrical Beet

Family: Amaranthaceae Root Vegetable

Planting Schedule

Provide your location or planting zone to unlock dates and add Cylindrical Beet to a garden.

Sweetly earthy and richly aromatic, Cylindrical Beet forms long, slender roots with a smooth, tender bite and a deep, jewel-toned interior that stays beautifully even from tip to crown.

Its upright, cylindrical shape makes for striking harvests and consistent slices, while the vivid color lends itself to bold, natural hues in any beet-forward preparation. Grow it for a garden-to-plate favorite that shines both freshly tender and fully developed at 70 days.

Light: Full SunMaturity: 70 DaysHabit: Taproot

Botanical illustration of Cylindrical Beet

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Cylindrical Beet Planting Dates by USDA Zone

Estimated US hardiness-zone windows for sow, transplant, and harvest. Enter a US ZIP above for exact local dates, or open a zone below.

Zone Start Indoors Sow / Transplant Harvest
Zone 1a Protected Environment Only
Zone 1b Protected Environment Only
Zone 2a Direct Sow May 25th Aug 3rd – Aug 29th
Zone 2b Direct Sow May 15th Jul 24th – Aug 25th
Zone 3a Direct Sow May 15th Jul 24th – Sep 1st
Zone 3b Direct Sow May 19th Jul 28th – Sep 21st
Zone 4a Direct Sow May 15th Jul 24th – Sep 24th
Zone 4b Direct Sow May 13th Jul 22nd – Sep 27th
Zone 5a Direct Sow May 8th Jul 17th – Sep 30th
Zone 5b Direct Sow May 4th Jul 13th – Oct 5th
Zone 6a Direct Sow May 1st Jul 10th – Oct 10th
Zone 6b Direct Sow Apr 25th Jul 4th – Oct 16th
Zone 7a Direct Sow Apr 20th Jun 29th – Oct 20th
Zone 7b Direct Sow Apr 10th Jun 19th – Oct 28th
Zone 8a Direct Sow Apr 1st Jun 10th – Nov 5th
Zone 8b Direct Sow Mar 23rd Jun 1st – Nov 12th
Zone 9a Direct Sow Mar 6th May 15th – Nov 26th
Zone 9b Direct Sow Feb 9th Apr 20th – Dec 9th
Zone 10a — Oct 1st Dec 10th – Feb 28th
Zone 10b — Oct 1st Dec 10th – Feb 28th
Zone 11a — Oct 1st Dec 10th – Feb 28th
Zone 11b — Oct 1st Dec 10th – Feb 28th
Zone 12a — Oct 1st Dec 10th – Feb 28th
Zone 12b — Oct 1st Dec 10th – Feb 28th
Zone 13a — Oct 1st Dec 10th – Feb 28th
Zone 13b — Oct 1st Dec 10th – Feb 28th

Crop Details

TraitValue
Days to Maturity70
Sun RequirementsFull SunFull sun
Growth HabitTaproot
Support NeededNone
Planting DepthNormal
Germination Temp (°F)55
Min Soil Temp (°F)45
Min Night Temp (°F)28
Harden Off (days)Not Required

Culinary Notes


Chef's Note

This cylindrical shape makes the whole root cook evenly, so you get consistent tenderness from tip to crown—no punky edges or uneven rings. Built for both gentle heat and quick pickling, its sweet-earth aroma shines when you balance it with fat (brown butter/goat cheese) or sharp fire (horseradish, vinegar).

Best Uses

  • thin, even slices for quick roasting that caramelize without going woody
  • grated raw or lightly pickled for a clean, crisp beet tang
  • vacuum-sealed or gently simmered wedges for uniform, sliceable color
  • pressure-fast boiling then tossing with butter and herbs so the interior stays vibrant

Flavor Profile

sweetly earthy richly aromatic tender, smooth bite jewel-toned, lightly mineral finish

Kitchen Pairings

goat cheese brown butter horseradish balsamic vinegar orange arugula

Frequently Asked Questions


What pest or disease commonly affects Beta vulgaris subsp. vulgaris (cylindrical beet), and how can I control it?
Cercospora leaf spot is a frequent problem on beet (Beta vulgaris), showing as small, tan centers with reddish-purple borders on older leaves. Remove and discard infected leaves, improve airflow between plants, and avoid overhead watering so foliage stays dry. If outbreaks keep spreading, treat with a copper-based fungicide labeled for edible beet leaves and follow the label rate and interval.
How often should I water cylindrical beet during the main growth phase?
During active root bulking (roughly after plants are established and until the last few weeks before harvest), keep soil consistently evenly moist, aiming for about 1 inch of water per week total (from rain plus irrigation). Water deeply when the top 1 inch of soil feels dry, then allow the surface to dry slightly between waterings to reduce leaf diseases. Avoid letting the soil swing from very dry to very wet, which can cause rough roots and reduced sweetness.
How do I tell when cylindrical beet (Beta vulgaris subsp. vulgaris) is ready to harvest?
Harvest when roots are about 1 to 2 inches thick and reach the expected length for your variety, typically around 70 days from sowing. The tops may look vigorous and the beet roots should feel firm rather than soft or elongated. If you leave them too long, they tend to become woody and less sweet—pull a test plant and adjust your harvest timing accordingly.