Beet – Detroit Dark Red

Description

Detroit Dark Red Beet (A.K.A. Detroit Blood, Detroit Blood Turnip, Early Detroit, Detroit Dark Red Turnip, Early Dark Red, Detroit Early Dark Red)

250 Seeds per pack

Days to Maturity: 55–65 Days

Sun Requirements: Full sun

Botanical Name: (Beta vulgaris)

A beloved heirloom, the Detroit Dark Red Beet was introduced in 1892 by D.M. Ferry & Company, following its initial development by Mr. Reeves of Port Hope, Ontario. Selected for its excellent traits, it has remained a trusted favorite for home gardeners and market growers for more than a century.

Suited for both spring and fall sowings, this dependable variety produces uniform, nearly globe-shaped roots that reach 2.5 to 3 inches in diameter. The deep crimson flesh is smooth and tender with minimal zoning—though occasional weather shifts may bring some visible rings. The robust tops reach 12–15 inches in height, featuring green leaves tinged with maroon—ideal for cooking and enjoyed as flavorful, nutrient-rich greens.

Detroit Dark Red is known for its strong yields and ability to resist woodiness, even when grown to full size. Whether steamed, baked, roasted, boiled, or raw in salads, its rich flavor holds up beautifully. Also excellent for pickling, canning, or long-term storage, this beet maintains quality well after harvest.

Rich in vitamins A, C, and K, along with folate, it’s a healthy and tasty addition to the table!

Disease Resistance: Downy Mildew.

Planting Instructions for Detroit Dark Red Beet Seeds

When to Plant:
Sow Detroit Dark Red beet seeds outdoors in early spring, about 3 weeks before your last expected frost date, as soon as the soil can be worked. For a fall crop, plant seeds 10 to 12 weeks before your first fall frost. In regions with mild winters, Detroit Dark Red beets can also be grown during the cool season. Continue planting in succession every 1–2 weeks until late spring and again starting in late summer to extend your harvest.

Where to Plant:
Detroit Dark Red beets prefer full sun and loose, well-drained soil with a pH between 6.0 and 7.0. Avoid planting in heavy clay soil unless amended with compost or other organic matter. Raised beds and deep containers (at least 12″) are excellent options for improved drainage and root development. Choose a location that gets at least 6 hours of sunlight daily.

How to Sow Seeds:
Soak Detroit Dark Red beet seeds in room-temperature water for 1 to 12 hours before planting to speed germination. Sow seeds ½ inch deep and 1–2 inches apart in rows spaced 12 to 18 inches apart. Each seed is actually a cluster and may sprout multiple seedlings. Once seedlings are 3–4 inches tall, thin them to 2–4 inches apart. Thinned greens are edible and nutritious.

Growing:
Keep soil consistently moist during germination, which usually takes 7 to 20 days. Water daily or as needed to maintain surface moisture. Once plants are established, provide about 1 inch of water per week. Mulch with straw or shredded leaves to retain moisture and protect the beet shoulders from sun exposure. Hill compost around young seedlings to support growth and provide steady nutrition.

Care Tips:
Weed regularly, especially while plants are young. Avoid disturbing the roots when weeding or thinning. Detroit Dark Red beets benefit from low-nitrogen, phosphorus-rich fertilizers. Apply compost or a balanced organic fertilizer (such as 5-10-10) at planting and again after 4 weeks. Use floating row covers to protect young plants from pests like flea beetles and leaf miners. Rotate crops annually to prevent disease buildup in soil.

Harvesting:
Detroit Dark Red beet greens can be harvested as needed once they are 4 to 6 inches tall—take no more than 1 or 2 leaves per plant to avoid slowing root growth. Detroit Dark Red beets are ready for harvest about 55 to 65 days after planting, when the roots reach 1–3 inches in diameter. Water the soil the night before, then gently lift roots using a trowel or by hand. Trim off greens, leaving about 1 inch of stem attached to reduce bleeding.

Storage:
Brush off excess dirt—don’t wash until ready to use. For short-term storage, store Detroit Dark Red beet roots in a perforated plastic bag in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks. For long-term storage, place unwashed roots in a container with moist sand in a cool, dark location.

Seed Saving:
Detroit Dark Red beets don’t produce seed until their second year of growth. To save seed, you’ll need to keep healthy, mature roots from your harvest and store them over winter in a cool, humid place. In early spring, replant those roots in the garden, spacing them well apart. They will grow flower stalks and produce seeds by midsummer. Detroit Dark Red beets cross easily with Swiss chard, so isolate flowering plants by at least 1–3 miles for pure seed.

Once the seeds are dry, store them in an airtight container in a cool, dry place—ideally kept around 59°F (15°C) with relative humidity levels between 40% and 60%. Avoid locations where temperatures rise above 68°F (20°C) or drop below 33°F (1°C). Properly stored, Detroit Dark Red beet seeds can remain viable for 2 to 5 years. We also offer Seed Saving Envelopes to help keep your harvested seeds neat and organized.

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