Why is my beetroot white? Understanding varieties and cultivation

December 10, 2025 •

5 min read

According to agricultural research, white beetroot varieties have been cultivated since ancient times, long before the more common red types became widespread. If you've discovered a white beetroot among your red ones, it's likely a surprise, but it's rarely a cause for concern.

Quick Summary

This guide explains the primary reasons for white beetroot, including genetic heritage from ancestral varieties, the effects of cross-pollination in open-pollinated seed clusters, and specific heirloom varieties like 'Albino White' or 'Avalanche'. We will also cover how growing conditions can sometimes influence color, what this means for taste and edibility, and proper planting techniques.

Key Points

Genetic Variation: The most common reason for a white beetroot is genetic variation or a throwback to ancestral white-rooted beets.
Specific Varieties: White beetroots like 'Albino White' or 'Avalanche' are specific cultivars known for their mild flavor and lack of color.
Cross-Pollination: If you grow open-pollinated seeds, cross-pollination from another beet variety can cause unexpected colors.
Edibility: White beetroot is perfectly safe to eat and is often sweeter and less earthy than red beets.
No Staining: A key benefit of white beets is that they do not produce staining betalain pigments.
Environmental Factors: White rings inside a red beet can be caused by environmental stress like high temperatures or inconsistent watering, a different issue from a fully white root.
Nutritional Value: White beets offer similar nutritional benefits to red beets, including fiber and essential minerals, but lack the betalain antioxidants.

Your Beetroot is White Because of its Genetics

The most common reason for a white beetroot appearing in a crop of red beets is genetic heritage. The ancestral beetroot, from which all modern cultivars are derived, was a white-rooted plant. Over centuries of selective breeding, different colored varieties—including the deep red we are most familiar with—were developed. Sometimes, the recessive genes for the original white coloring can reappear, resulting in an occasional white beetroot, even if you planted a packet of red seeds. This is not an indicator of a problem with your plant or soil but rather a fascinating throwback to its ancient lineage.

Specific White Beetroot Varieties

Beyond genetic throwbacks, there are several deliberately cultivated varieties of white beetroot. Gardeners seeking a milder, sweeter flavor without the earthy taste of red beets often grow these types. Notable white beetroot varieties include:

Albino White: A classic heirloom variety with sweet, round roots.
Avalanche: An All-America Selections winner known for its uniform, snow-white flesh and mild flavor.
Blankoma: Another variety bred for its white flesh and sweet taste.

These varieties are bred specifically to lack the betalain pigments that give red beets their vibrant color and distinctive earthy flavor.

Cross-Pollination and Seed Clusters

Beet seeds are actually small, dried fruit pods, and each pod can contain a cluster of multiple seeds. If you planted a packet of open-pollinated red beet seeds, it is possible that cross-pollination occurred between a red variety and a white or striped one at some point in the seed production process. This can lead to genetic variability, where one or more of the seedlings from a single seed cluster can grow into a white-rooted plant. Since bees and other pollinators carry pollen from one plant to another, cross-pollination is a natural occurrence and does not harm the plant. You can prevent this by purchasing seeds from reputable sources or by growing isolated, self-pollinated seeds.

Environmental Factors That Can Cause White Rings

While a completely white beetroot is usually a genetic matter, environmental stress can sometimes cause white rings to appear in otherwise red beets. This is often confused with an entirely white root but is a different phenomenon entirely. The primary environmental factors linked to this are high temperatures and inconsistent watering. When beetroots grow quickly under hot conditions or experience fluctuations in moisture, they can develop light-colored, woody rings inside the root. These rings are a result of rapid cell growth and do not affect the safety of the beet, though they may impact texture and flavor.

To prevent white rings:

Provide consistent watering: Especially during dry spells, ensure your beets receive enough moisture.
Mulch around the plants: A layer of mulch helps retain soil moisture and keeps the soil temperature stable.
Harvest at the right time: Pull your beets when they reach the desired size, as overgrown roots can become woody and discolored.

Is White Beetroot Edible and What Are the Differences?

Yes, white beetroot is perfectly edible and often prized for its mild, sweet flavor. Unlike red beets, it won't stain your hands or cutting boards, making it a favorite for salads and lighter dishes. The primary nutritional difference is that white beets lack the red betalain antioxidants found in their red counterparts. However, their overall nutritional profile, including fiber, folate, and manganese, remains very similar.

Red Beetroot vs. White Beetroot


Characteristic	Red Beetroot	White Beetroot
Flavor	Earthy, rich, and slightly sweet	Mild, delicate, and noticeably sweeter
Staining	High; leaves a vibrant, red-purple stain	None; ideal for dishes where color is a concern
Antioxidants	Contains betalain pigments, which are powerful antioxidants	Does not contain betalain pigments
Best Uses	Roasting, pickling, borscht, coloring dishes	Raw salads, juicing, light stir-fries, baking
Appearance	Deep red or purple flesh and skin	Pure white or cream-colored flesh and skin

Caring for White Beetroot in Your Garden

If you find a white beet, you can simply care for it as you would any other variety. Ensure the plant receives adequate sunlight and consistent moisture. Mulching and weeding are also important for robust growth. The taste difference makes them an interesting and delightful surprise in your harvest. If you want to grow more white beets, you will need to purchase a specific white beetroot seed variety like 'Albino White' to ensure consistency.

Conclusion: Celebrate Your Unique Harvest

Finding a white beetroot should be a pleasant surprise rather than a cause for worry. The reasons range from genetic throwbacks and cross-pollination to the deliberate cultivation of milder, sweeter varieties. While a completely white beet lacks the betalain pigments of red varieties, it retains a similar nutritional profile and offers a milder flavor for a different culinary experience. By understanding the genetics behind this fascinating occurrence, you can appreciate the diversity of your garden and enjoy your unique, albino harvest. For more details on growing specific varieties, you can consult reliable resources like the Royal Horticultural Society's gardening guides for beetroot.

Planting White Beetroot for a Consistent Crop

For gardeners who intentionally want to cultivate white beetroot, purchasing heirloom or specialty seeds is the best approach. Plant the seeds in well-drained, fertile soil, and ensure they receive at least 6 hours of sunlight daily. Soak the seeds for a couple of hours before planting to speed up germination. Thin the seedlings to allow adequate space for the roots to develop, and maintain consistent moisture throughout the growing season.

Note: While some environmental factors can cause white rings, they are distinct from an entirely white root. White rings are often linked to rapid, uneven growth, whereas a fully white beet is primarily a genetic trait.

How to Harvest and Use Your White Beets

White beets, like other varieties, are ready for harvest when they are the size of a golf ball or larger. To avoid damaging neighboring plants, gently loosen the soil with a fork before pulling. You can use white beets in various recipes, such as adding them raw to salads for a sweet crunch or roasting them to bring out their mellow flavor. The leaves are also edible and can be cooked like spinach.

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, a white beetroot is perfectly safe to eat. In fact, many people prefer it for its milder, sweeter flavor and its lack of staining pigments.

Yes, white beetroots have a different flavor profile. They are generally sweeter and lack the distinct earthy or metallic taste that some people dislike in red beets.

If you are finding occasional white beetroots, it is likely due to genetic variation or cross-pollination in the seeds, which is difficult to prevent entirely. To ensure a crop of only red beets, purchase seeds from a reputable company that specializes in stable varieties.

A white beetroot is genetically white and consistently white throughout. A white ring inside a red beetroot is usually a response to environmental stress, like heat or inconsistent watering, which can affect cell growth.

White beets have a very similar nutritional profile to red beets, offering good sources of fiber, folate, and manganese. However, they lack the betalain antioxidants that give red beets their vibrant color.

White beets do not bleed because they lack betalain pigments, the water-soluble compounds responsible for the intense red color and staining properties of red beet varieties.

No, you should not be concerned. Finding a white beet is a normal genetic occurrence and offers a delightful variation to your harvest. It is not an indicator of a problem with your plant's health or the soil.

White beetroot can be cooked in various ways, including roasting, boiling, steaming, or sautéing. Because it is milder, it is also excellent raw in salads or juiced.

Yes, beetroot varieties also come in golden/yellow and striped versions, such as the Chioggia beet, which has alternating red and white rings.