Cylindra Beet Seeds Heirloom Vegetable. This early 1890’s introduction produces smooth, dark red, 16 cm (6.5″) long, cylindrical beets. The sweet tasting roots are excellent keepers and are perfect for slicing due to their uniform diameter and length. Cylindra cooks well and is best used when young however a pleasant surprise awaits as the roots still keep much of their sweet, tender flavour when larger!