Cylindra Beet dates back to the 1880s.  It is also known as the "Formanova", an heirloom beet from Denmark.   It is surprisingly sweet for it size. It almost resembles the shape of an oversized carrot and a very thick carrot at that.   Cylindra is very nice for slicing and making pickled beets.  Roots grow upwards as they grow.  It averages 20-23cm (8-9") long with dark red flesh.  Plants can reach 40-45cm (16-18”) tall with a spread that is 20-30cm (8-12”) wide.  The leaves of this beet are a little sweeter than other beets and can be used as salad greens.

Growing Instructions:

Direct sow seeds as soon as soil can be worked in the spring, and again in late summer for a fall crop. Select a location that receives full sun to partial shade. Sow seeds 1-2cm (½-1”) deep, spaced 5-10cm (2-4”) apart in rows spaced 30-45cm (12-18”) apart. Keep soil evenly moist to promote germination. Seeds should sprout in 7-14 days. Thin seedlings to 10-15cm (4-6”) apart when they are 5-7cm (2-3”) tall. Beets prefer well-drained soil that is fertile and has a pH between 6.0 and 7.5. Fertilize with a balanced fertilizer before planting and again after thinning. Beets can be harvested when the roots are about 5cm (2”) in diameter, but they will continue to grow if left in the ground. Beets typically reach maturity in 55-70 days.


Soil Conditions: Well-drained soil that is fertile. Soil pH: 6.0-7.5 Planting Depth: Sow seeds 1-2cm (½-1”) deep. Germination: 7-14 days. Height at Maturity: 20-30cm (8-12”) tall. Days to Maturity: 55-70 days. Watering: Keep soil evenly moist. Sun/Shade: Full sun to partial shade. Spacing after Thinning: Thin seedlings to 10-15cm (4-6”) apart.