Name: Detroit Dark Red Beet Seeds 835
SKU: 7062
Availability: InStock

Detroit Dark Red Beet Seeds 835

$3.65 – $6.35

Certified Biodynamic and Organic HEIRLOOM variety dating from 1892. Smooth, round, dark-red beets with strong tops. A fine strain that the Kimberton CSA farm in Kimberton, PA has been selecting for many years. Good for both bunching and storage. For the best large storage beets, give each plant 4-6 inches by thinning well. (Young thinnings make a delicious salad addition!)

Description

Detroit Dark Red Beet Seeds

Scientific Name: Beta vulgaris

Family: Goosefoot

Type: Biennial

Native Range: Lower 48 States and Puerto Rico

Hardiness Zones: 3-10; beets can tolerate some cold and roots can remain in the ground until a hard freeze;

Soil Requirements: light loamy soil with even supply of moisture, protected from prolonged periods of heat; slightly acidic pH [6.5 – 7];

Light Preference: Full sun

Water: Moderate

Days until Germination: 10-15 days

Sowing: Sow beets 2″ deep after soil has warmed to around 45°.

Plant Spacing: Detroit Dark Red Beet seeds are actually a cluster of ~2-6 seeds. Sow thinly about 1″-3″ apart, in rows 12″-24″ apart. After germination, snip or pull out the weaker seedlings from the cluster. Thin to 4″ between plants.

Plant Height: Greens 6″-10″

Harvest: 45-55 days; can be harvested at full-size or anytime after their tops have poked up out of the ground; utilize the greens for salads; may be left for a week or two after maturity in soil to increase storage time, though texture may become slightly woody;

Grows Well With: Bush beans, onions, lettuce, kohlrabi and most members of the Cabbage family

Grows Poorly With: Pole beans, field mustard, charlock

Potential Problems: Damping off; cutworms; aphids; blister beetles; beet webworms; grasshoppers; snails and slugs; leafminer larvae; mosaic virus; downy mildew; cracked roots; June beetle larvae;

Uses & Cooking Suggestions: fantastic on its own especially glazed with balsamic vinegar