White Beet
Albino Beet is a remarkable heirloom variety from Holland that completely reimagines what a beet can be. Instead of the earthy, deep-purple roots you might expect, this smooth, round cultivar produces stunning snow-white roots with a candy-sweet flavor that sets it apart from traditional beets. Maturing in just 55 days, it thrives in full sun and moderate water, reaching a compact 2-3 inches at harvest. Whether you're drawn to its striking appearance, its extraordinary sweetness, or its nutritious edible greens, this heirloom delivers something genuinely different to the garden.
Full Sun
Moderate
?-?
3in H x ?in W
Biennial
Moderate
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The real revelation here is the flavor. Albino Beet is the sweetest of all table beets, with roots so candy-like that they're delicious raw, sliced thin as snacks or in salads, yet equally outstanding when cooked. The smooth, round white roots look almost otherworldly in the garden and kitchen, completely unlike the traditional earthy beet. Beyond the roots themselves, you also harvest exceptionally nutritious beet greens, and the roots can even be used for making sugar, a nod to this variety's heritage.
Albino Beet shines as a raw snack and salad ingredient, where its candy-like sweetness and smooth texture can be fully appreciated when sliced thin. It's equally delicious roasted or cooked, offering a gentler flavor than traditional beets without the earthiness that some find off-putting. The nutritious beet greens are a bonus harvest, cooked as you would any beet green. Historically, the high sugar content of the roots made them valuable for sugar production, a traditional use that highlights this variety's distinct character.
Sow seeds directly into the garden at a depth of 1/2 inch. Seeds will sprout in 14-21 days when soil temperatures fall between 50-75°F. Plant in early spring as soon as soil is workable, or in midsummer for a fall harvest, taking advantage of this variety's frost tolerance.
Albino Beet reaches maturity in 55 days. Harvest roots when they reach about 2-3 inches across, roughly the size of a golf ball or tennis ball depending on your preference. The smooth, round white roots will be tender and at peak sweetness at this stage. Gently loosen soil around the base and pull, or use a garden fork to ease them from the ground without bruising. You can also harvest the nutritious beet greens at any time; simply snap off outer leaves while leaving the center growth intact, or harvest entire plants if you prefer.
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“This heirloom variety originates from Holland, part of a European beet-growing tradition that valued sweeter, lighter-fleshed roots over the deeply pigmented types. It survived and traveled through seed-saving networks, preserved by gardeners and heirloom seed companies who recognized its extraordinary sweetness and potential beyond standard beet cultivation. The fact that the roots can be used for sugar-making hints at a historical appreciation for this variety's concentrated sweetness, a trait that would have made it valuable in kitchens long before modern hybrid breeding programs dominated vegetable development.”