Detroit Dark Red Beet Seeds for Planting

Detroit Dark Red Beet Seeds for Planting

Grow Detroit Dark Red, a classic heirloom beet variety with rounded roots, deep burgundy flesh, and a sweet, classic beet flavor. The variety dates back to 1892 and is identified by the supplier as non-GMO. Utah State University lists Detroit Dark Red as open-pollinated.

Growing Information

• Botanical name: Beta vulgaris
• Life cycle: Usually grown as an annual for root harvest; biennial if allowed to overwinter
• Supplier-listed USDA Hardiness Zones: Annual 2–11; biennial 6–11
• Days to maturity: 55–60 days
• Days to germination: Approximately 5–14 days
• Planting depth: 1/2 inch
• Initial seed spacing: 1–2 inches; thin to 3–4 inches
• Row spacing: 12 inches
• Plant height: 8–12 inches
• Light: Full sun to partial shade
• Soil: Loose, sandy or loamy, well-drained; pH 6.0–7.0 per supplier
• Temperature preference: 55–70°F per supplier

How to Grow

Direct sow outdoors about 4–5 weeks before the last spring frost or 4–5 weeks before the first autumn frost. Sow 1/2 inch deep and keep the soil surface evenly moist. Thin seedlings to 3–4 inches apart as true leaves develop. Succession sow every 2–3 weeks during the growing season.

Avoid excess high-nitrogen fertilizer, which can encourage foliage at the expense of root size. Mulch can help conserve soil moisture. Monitor plants for aphids, leafhoppers, and flea beetles, along with possible yellowing or leaf spots.

Harvest

Harvest at approximately 55–60 days from sowing, when roots begin to size. Detroit Dark Red typically forms round roots about 2–3 inches across.