Beet Root Seeds- Detroit Dark Red- Perfect All Purpose Beet
Detroit Dark Red beets, also known simply as Detroit Red beets, are a popular and classic variety of beetroot known for their deep red, globe-shaped roots and vibrant green foliage. Detroit Dark Red is the perfect all-purpose beet variety. Here's a description of Detroit Dark Red beets:
1. **Appearance:**
- **Roots:** The beets have a round to slightly flattened shape with a smooth, dark red skin. The flesh is also a rich, deep red color.
- **Foliage:** The plant features large, dark green leaves that emerge from the top of the beetroot. These leaves are often edible and can be used in salads or cooked dishes.
2. **Size:**
- Detroit Dark Red beets typically grow to a moderate size, with roots ranging from 2 to 3 inches in diameter. This makes them suitable for various culinary applications.
3. **Texture and Flavor:**
- The flesh of Detroit Dark Red beets is tender and sweet when cooked. The flavor is earthy and slightly sweet, making them versatile for both raw and cooked preparations.
4. **Versatility in the Kitchen:**
- These beets are excellent for a variety of culinary uses. They can be enjoyed raw in salads, grated into slaws, pickled, roasted, or boiled. The versatility of Detroit Dark Red beets makes them a favorite in many kitchens.
5. **Growth Conditions:**
- Detroit Dark Red beets are well-suited for cooler climates and are often grown in spring and fall. They thrive in well-drained, fertile soil and can be cultivated in home gardens as well as on a larger scale.
6. **Nutritional Value:**
- Beets, in general, are a nutritious vegetable. They are a good source of fiber, vitamins, and minerals. The dark red color indicates the presence of antioxidants, such as betalains, which have been associated with various health benefits.
7. **Storage:**
- The beets can be stored for an extended period if kept in a cool, dark place. The greens should be removed for better storage of the roots.
Days to Germination:10 to 12 days
Days to Maturity: 50 to 60 days
How to Plant Beets
We prefer to sow beets directly in the garden so that we don’t have to disturb their roots, though beets—unlike many root crops—do generally tolerate being transplanted while still young. However, since they are cold tolerant, beets typically have no trouble being started outdoors.
Sow seeds ½-inch deep and 1 to 2 inches apart in rows that are about 1 foot apart. After sowing, cover the seeds with a thin layer of soil.
Each wrinkled beet “seed” may be actually a cluster of 2 to 4 seeds, so you will need to thin the young plants to 3 to 4 inches apart once the greens get to be about 4 inches tall. This allows their roots to grow to their proper size.
Tip: When thinning, don’t pull up the plants, as you may accidentally disturb the roots of the beets you want to keep. Instead, just snip off the greens (and eat them).
Make sure soil remains moist for optimal germination. Soak seeds for 24 hours prior to planting to speed up germination.5 grams / approximately 225-240 seeds