Beet Seeds, Cylindra (Formanova)
Sliced and whole Cylindra Beets on a wooden cutting board.
Cylindra (Formanova) Beets with foliage and pickled beets in a jar on a wooden cutting board.
Sliced Cylindra (Formanova) Beets in a canning jar surrounded by whole and sliced beets on wooden cutting board.
Whole and halved Cylindra (Formanova) Beets on a white background.
Beet Seeds, Cylindra (Formanova)
Sliced and whole Cylindra Beets on a wooden cutting board.
Cylindra (Formanova) Beets with foliage and pickled beets in a jar on a wooden cutting board.
Sliced Cylindra (Formanova) Beets in a canning jar surrounded by whole and sliced beets on wooden cutting board.
Whole and halved Cylindra (Formanova) Beets on a white background.

Beet Seeds,
Cylindra (Formanova)

4.546 Reviews#BT111 · 250 seeds
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Description

(Beta vulgaris). Long, elegant roots make this Danish heirloom a favorite for cooks who like things tidy and practical. Cylindra is famous for its uniform slices, sweet flavor, and tender texture—so tender, in fact, it’s sometimes called “Butter Slicer.” Ready in 55 days, the roots peel easily after cooking, making them especially good for processing, home canning, and juicing, where their shape feeds smoothly into the machine. It’s a beet with a smooth groove from garden to cutting board—efficient, handsome, and mighty useful.

Plant Details

Botanical Name
Beta vulgaris
Life Cycle
Biennial
Sun Requirement
Full sun
Days to Germinate
14–21
Days to Maturity
55
Planting Depth
½ in.
Plant Spacing
4–6 in.
Ideal Temperature
50–85°F
Frost Hardy
Yes

Growing Guide

When to Grow

Plant Cylindra beets 3-4 weeks before the last spring frost, or in late summer for a fall harvest. They thrive in cooler weather, with optimal growing temperatures between 50 F and 85 F. In regions with mild winters, you can also plant them in the fall for winter harvesting. If you’re not sure how to find your first and last frost dates, consult our blog post 'Our Experts Answer Questions, Share Resources.'

How to Sow and Plant

Sow seeds 1/2 inch deep, spacing them 1-2 inches apart in rows 12-18 inches apart. After the seedlings emerge and reach about 2 inches tall, thin them to 4-6 inches apart to allow enough room for the roots to grow. For container gardening, use pots that are at least 12 inches deep to accommodate the elongated roots.

How to Grow

Ensure the soil remains consistently moist, especially during the early stages of growth. Mulching can help retain soil moisture and reduce weed growth. Beets mature in about 50-60 days and are ready to harvest when they reach a diameter of 1-3 inches. Harvest them early for a sweeter flavor and a more tender texture.

How to Save Seeds

  • Beets are biennial, which means they don't flower until the second year of growth.
  • In the first year, when frost approaches, either try to overwinter them in the ground with floating row cover (a bit risky if you live in the north) or dig up the choicest plant before a freeze and store it indoors in a cool, dry, dark location until spring.
  • Replant after the last spring frost and allow to flower.
  • Beets are wind-pollinated and will easily cross with other beet varieties that are flowering, as well as with Swiss chards (which fortunately very rarely flower without assistance).
  • Properly stored seeds should remain viable for 5 years.

FAQ

Can I grow Cylindra beets in containers?

Yes, Cylindra beets can be grown in containers, provided the containers are at least 12 inches deep to support the roots' growth.

How long do Cylindra beets take to mature?

They typically take about 55 days to mature, depending on growing conditions.

What kind of soil is best for Cylindra beets?

Cylindra beets prefer well-draining, sandy-loam soil that is rich in organic matter, with a pH between 6.0 and 7.0.

Browse our full range of beet seeds.

Customer reviews

4.5 / 5 46 Reviews

What gardeners are saying

  • Slices into even rounds: Long, uniform roots peel and cut into even rounds for pickling.

  • Sweet as candy: Smooth, buttery flesh many call the best beet they grow.

  • Big and never woody: Stays tender at large sizes, even left in the ground till fall.

  • Shrugs off drought: Came through hot, dry spells still sweet and tender.

  • Growing tips: Roots push up above the soil; mound dirt over the shoulders.

More to grow!

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