Days to Maturity: 60

Well, here's a whole new look in beets . . . though technically it's a very OLD look! Chioggia is an heirloom beet from Italy, renowned for its unusual bullseye stripes of red and white as well as for its sweet, peppery flavor. Guardsmark builds on that heritage by adding modern vigor, higher yields, and larger fruit size. And somehow along the way, those dark red rings have turned a neon shade of magenta.

But Chioggia Guardsmark is not simply a beet masquerading as a red onion. Its flavor is so sweet and mild that even children love it, yet its peppery afterbite has enough "true beet" tang to satisfy adults. These 3- to 3 1/2-inch diameter globes add spectacular plate appeal to any dish, and their flavor is a satisfying base for soups and stews as well as whole eating. And the greens are delicious as well -- packed with nutrition and very mildly flavored. You will love this "bullseye" beet!

Beets are a cool-weather crop, direct-sown in fall or as soon as soil can be worked in spring. Before planting, make sure that the soil is as loose, rich, and well drained as possible, so that the root can grow without stress.

Pkt of 200 seeds (sows approx. a 10 foot row)