Cylindrical Beet

Family: Amaranthaceae Root Vegetable

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

Planting schedules and alerts are optimized for Columbus (Zone 6b).

Crop Dates

Milestone	Date
Start Indoors	Direct Sow
Last Frost	Apr 25th
Transplant / Sow Outdoors	Apr 25th
Harvest Begins	Jul 4th
Harvest Ends	Oct 16th

Crop Details

Trait	Value
Days to Maturity	70
Sun Requirements	Full Sun
Growth Habit	Taproot
Support Needed	None
Planting Depth	Normal
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.