Perfected Detroit Dark Red Beet

Perfected Detroit Dark Red Beet

58 days. Dark red, globe-shaped beets that grow up to 3" in diameter. Their sweet flavor makes them great for canning, boiling, freezing and pickling. Early maturing. Tops can be eaten as greens. Stores well. Great choice for home gardens. Can be grown in containers and raised beds.

Open Pollinated. Non-GMO

*Approximately 150 

Harvest: 58 Days

Germination: 14-21 Days

Light Requirements: Full sun

Planting Depth: Direct sow 1/2”

Soil Requirements: Fertile, deep, sandy

Plant Height: 4-8”

Plant Spacing: 3-4”

Row Spacing: 12-24”

Spread: 10-12”

Growing Instructions

Beets require loose, fertile soil that drains well with a pH of 6.5-6.8. They do not grow well in poor or clay soil. They require full sun, which is a minimum of 6 hours of direct sunlight daily. Beets are a multigerm seed that contain 2-6 seeds. They must be thinned regularly to avoid overcrowding. Plant the seeds directly into the garden because they do not transplant well. About a week prior to planting, prepare the soil by adding plenty of compost and well-rotted manure.

In the spring, begin sowing seeds 3 weeks before the average last frost date. In the fall, sow 10-12 weeks before the average first frost date. Beets prefer cooler temperatures and will germinate when temperatures reach 40 degrees, but the germination time will be slow. They germinate best when the temperatures are between 50-80 degrees. The plants can survive a light frost, but they need to be covered in the event of a hard frost. 

Sow seeds ½ inch deep and 2-3 inches apart in rows 12-24 inches apart. To speed up germination, soak the seeds in lukewarm water for up to 24 hours prior to planting. The seeds will germinate in 14-21 days. Plant seeds every 2-3 weeks for a continuous harvest. Once beets reach 4-5 inches tall, thin plants 3-4 inches apart.

Do not allow the soil to dry out or the roots will split. Apply 2-3 inches of mulch around the plants when they reach 3- 4 inches tall to help conserve moisture and suppress weeds. Carefully dig up or pull out the plants when they reach full size. Fall crops can be left in the ground until needed, or until the soil begins to freeze. Beets can be harvested for greens at any time.