Detroit Dark Red is a deep burgundy 3” globed shaped roots with dark green streaked leaves and crimson veins. Very attractive and flavorful as root or greens. Introduced in 1892.


Family: Chenopodaceae

Species: Beta vulgaris

Difficulty: easy to grow

Sun: full sun

Moisture: evenly moist

Sowing Method: direct seed only

Planting: spring/summer planted

Frost Tolerance: moderate frost tolerance

Qualities: heirloom, organic, salad, soup


Beets, often called beetroot, table or garden beet, are particularly useful garden vegetables, Every part of the plant can be eaten. In the Chenopod family, it is related to chard and spinach, evident in the tender, young beet greens which are delicious in addition to highly nutritious. Beet roots are eaten raw, boiled, sliced in salads, pickled, roasted, used in soups or as food coloring. Beets will store for 1-4 months depending on the variety and can be canned, frozen, pickled, juiced and dehydrated. Nutrients: dietary fiber, vitamins A, C, B6, thiamine, riboflavin, folate, niacin, iron, potassium, manganese, magnesium, and phosphorus.

Growing: Easy to grow, moderately frost tolerant biennial. Direct seeded in spring and summer into evenly moist soil in full sun. Succession planted throughout the spring and late summer for harvest through the fall and into the winter. Plant Seeds: 1/2" deep with 1-2" between seeds, in rows 6-10" apart. Soil Temp: 45 - 75?F. Days to Emergence: 5-17. Thin To/Mature Plant Spacing: 3-5". Seeds/Oz: 2200. Seed Wt./100' Row: 1/2oz. Average Yield/100' Row: 100lbs. Days to Harvest: 35 for greens, 50-80 for roots. Seed Viability in Ideal storage: 2-3 years. Companions: Beets, Carrots, Cilantro, Dill, Lettuce, Nasturtium, Onion, Spinach, Tomato. Antagonists: Beans, Strawberries.