'Tondo di Chioggia' Red Beetroot - Beta vulgaris

'Tondo di Chioggia' Red Beetroot – historic rarity with red-and-white ringed flesh. 

This traditional, open-pollinated variety from Italy impresses with decorative ringed flesh, a mild-sweet flavor, and tender texture. It is ideally suited for cultivation in open ground and greenhouses – robust, high-yielding, and perfect for self-sufficiency as well as organic gardening.

  Origin & History

‘Tondo di Chioggia’ is a historic beet variety from the city of Chioggia in Veneto, Italy. It has been cultivated since the 19th century and is known for its spectacular red-and-white ringed interior, which earned it the name “candy-striped beet” or “bull’s-eye beet.” As an open-pollinated variety, it can be freely propagated and is still appreciated today by lovers of historic vegetable varieties. Its unique appearance and mild flavor make it a true classic in the garden.

  Appearance & Characteristics

The plant is biennial and forms a compact leaf rosette with light green leaves in the first year. The tubers develop evenly and are visually particularly striking.

Root details:

• Size: Medium, approx. 6–8 cm in diameter

• Shape: Round, evenly shaped

• Color: Reddish on the outside, spectacular red-and-white ringed inside

• Texture: Juicy, tender flesh

• Flavor: Mild-sweet, less earthy than classic red beet

 Usage & Cultivation Highlights

The tubers of the variety ‘Tondo di Chioggia’ are excellent for raw food, carpaccio, fresh salads, roasted vegetables, and antipasti. With their decorative appearance, they are a real eye-catcher on the plate. Young leaves can be used like spinach or Swiss chard.

Thanks to its robustness, the beet grows reliably in open ground, in greenhouses, and in pots. It prefers humus-rich, deep soils and consistent water supply. In mixed cultivation, it harmonizes well with lettuce, kohlrabi, and herbs. The tubers store well when kept cool and dry – ideal for winter supplies.

Compared to classic red beet varieties, ‘Tondo di Chioggia’ is particularly mild and visually spectacular – ideal for gardeners who appreciate open-pollinated vegetable varieties with exceptional character.