GROW GUIDE

Detroit Dark Red Beets

Beta vulgaris

Plant Description

Detroit Dark Red Beets

A robust root vegetable recognized for its deep red, globe-shaped bulbs with smooth, firm skin.

This garden favorite, prized for its earthy-sweet flavor and tender texture, is a versatile addition to both fresh and cooked dishes, offering rich color and depth to any meal.

Gardening Level: easy

Quick Facts:

  • Sun Requirements

    Full Sun

  • Days To Sprout

    5-15 Days

  • Days To Harvest

    60-70 Days

  • Plant Spacing

    2-4"

  • Seeds Per Hole

    2

  • Planting Depth

    1/2"

Best Planting Locations

  • Greenhouse

    Provide a controlled environment that can extend the growing season.

  • Raised Beds

    Ideal for preventing soil compaction and improving drainage.

  • Row Gardens

    Ample space and full sun encourage uniform growth and high yields.

  • Containers

    Deep pots with rich soil allow for flexible placement and easy harvesting.

Getting Started

  • 1

    Find the Spot

    Beets thrive in cool temperatures. Choose a spot with full sun, receiving at least 6 hours of sunlight daily. Avoid compacted soil to allow for proper root development.

  • 2

    Prep the Soil & Fertilizer

    Use loose, well-draining soil with a neutral to slightly acidic pH. Beets benefit from compost-enriched soil to support root growth. Avoid high-nitrogen fertilizers, as they encourage leafy tops over robust roots.

  • 3

    Plant the Seeds

    Plant 2 beet seeds or 1 seedling ½ inch deep in loose, moist soil. Keep the soil consistently damp for even germination.

    Maintain a soil temperature of 50° to 75°F for optimal growth. Thin seedlings to 2–4 inches apart once they sprout to allow proper root development.

Good Neighbors:

  • Beans (Bush):

    Bush beans add nitrogen to the soil, benefiting beet growth

  • Cabbage:

    Cabbage enriches the soil and improves overall garden health

  • Garlic:

    Garlic repels common beet pests like aphids, slugs, and armyworms with their strong scent

  • Radish:

    Grow well alongside beets and helps loosen the soil

  • Spinach:

    Spinach acts as living mulch and has similar growing requirements

Enemy Plants:

  • Mustard Greens:

    Negatively impact beet development

  • Sunflower:

    Releases chemicals from their roots that inhibit beet growth

Attractants:

  • Aphids, Leaf Miners, Voles & Beet Army Worms:

    Feed on beet plants

Repellents:

  • No known repellents

Best Time to Plant

USDA Hardiness Zones

Day to Day Maintenance

  • Watering

    Keep soil evenly moist but not soggy. Deep, consistent watering encourages strong root growth. Avoid overhead watering to prevent disease.

  • Thinning

    Once seedlings reach 2–3 inches tall, thin them up to 4 inches apart. This prevents overcrowding and allows roots to develop fully.

The Harvest

  • Gathering

    Pull beets when roots reach about golf ball size (2-3" in diameter) for the best texture and flavor. Gently loosen the soil before lifting.

  • Extra Tip

    For tender greens, harvest beet leaves while young, cutting a few from each plant without damaging the root.

Favorite Uses

  • Salad

  • Soup

  • Pickling

  • Juices

  • Chips

How to Store

  • Room Temperature

    • Duration: Several days
    • Location: Cool, dark place away from sunlight
    • Method: Store beets unwashed with the greens removed, leaving an inch of the stem to prevent moisture loss. Keep them in a breathable container like a basket or paper bag.

  • Refrigeration

    • Duration: 1-2 weeks
    • Location: Crisper drawer of refrigerator
    • Method: Place unwashed beets in a perforated plastic bag or wrapped in a damp cloth to maintain humidity. Keep greens separate and use them within a few days.

  • Freezing

    • Duration: Several months
    • Location: Store in the freezer
    • Method: Wash, peel, and cut beets into slices or cubes. Blanch in boiling water for 2–3 minutes, then transfer to ice water. Pat dry and freeze on a baking sheet before transferring to a freezer-safe bag or container.

  • Cellar Storage

    • Duration: Several months
    • Location: Root cellar or basement
    • Method: Store beets in a box filled with damp sand or sawdust, ensuring they don’t touch each other to prevent rotting. Keep at 32–40°F with high humidity.

Fun Facts

  • Nature's Dye

    Detroit Dark Red beets have been used for centuries as a natural dye, giving fabrics, foods, and even cosmetics a vibrant crimson hue.

  • Nature's Superfood

    Beets were a staple in ancient Greek and Roman diets, prized for their ability to boost strength and endurance.

  • Sweet Surprise

    Beets contain the highest natural sugar content of any vegetable—they're so sweet, in fact, that they’re used in sugar production!