Detroit Dark Red Beet Seeds

Detroit Dark Red Beet Seeds - Heirloom Vegetable Seeds For Your Garden Or Greenstalk Garden
Beta vulgaris
Listing is for 1 packet of minimum 25 seeds

Detroit Dark Red beets have been a favorite among gardeners since 1892, thanks to their rich flavor and versatility. Originally introduced by Detroit's D.M. Ferry Seed Company, these 2-3" globe-shaped beets are tender, sweet, and ready to harvest in just 60 days. The dark green tops can be cooked like swiss chard, making it a dual-purpose vegetable. With a deep red color and resistance to Downy Mildew, these beets are perfect for enjoying fresh or canning. Add a touch of heritage and vibrant color to your garden with this classic American beet.

Follow me on social media because I post a lot of information on how to grow the very same seeds available in my shop. Instagram, YouTube, and TikTok: jerrasgarden. 

Ideal Growing Conditions

Sun: full sun, 8 hours a day

Water: Keep the soil consistently moist

Soil: Prepare the beet growing space by working in lots of compost and removing weeds or debris. 

Fertilizer: Mix a balanced fertilizer into the soil before direct sowing the seeds to give beets a boost. Then fertilize with something high in phosphorus and potassium, and low in nitrogen at 1 month and again at 2 months after direct sowing the seeds. 

When & How To Sow Seeds: It is best to direct sow beet seeds in early spring or fall when the weather is cooler. Beets, like other root veggies, don't like being transplanted, so it's best to sow them directly in your garden. Plant the seeds 1/2 inch deep, at 1-2 inches apart in soil that's fertile or full of organic matter, with good drainage. Once the first set of true leaves appear, thin out the seedlings so there's one plant every 2-3 inches. For a continuous harvest all season, plant more seeds every 2-3 weeks. 

Germination: 5-10 days

Days To Maturity: 60-75 days after direct sowing the seed 

How & When To Harvest: Typically beets are ready for harvest when they are 2-3 inches in diameter. Pull them up by grabbing onto the leaves and stems. If needed, loosen up the soil around the beet before pulling. 

Common Diseases: Beets can sometimes struggle with a few common diseases, especially in warm, humid conditions. Leaf spot (Cercospora or Alternaria) shows up as brown or purple spots on leaves—treat it by removing affected leaves, improving air circulation, and spraying with an organic fungicide like copper or neem oil. Downy mildew causes yellowing leaves with fuzzy gray patches underneath; avoid overhead watering and rotate crops to reduce it. Root rot often happens in poorly drained soil, so be sure to plant beets in loose, well-drained beds and avoid overwatering.

Common Pests: Aphids cluster on leaves and stems, sucking sap and causing curling leaves—treat them by spraying with a strong blast of water, neem oil, or insecticidal soap. Flea beetles leave tiny “shot-hole” damage on leaves; floating row covers and diatomaceous earth can help protect young plants until they’re established. Leaf miners tunnel inside beet leaves, creating squiggly trails—remove and destroy affected leaves to stop the larvae from spreading. Cutworms may chew seedlings at the base, so placing collars around young plants or sprinkling beneficial nematodes in the soil helps reduce damage. Companion planting with onions or garlic also helps deter many beet pests naturally.

Do I have a YouTube video tutorial on how to grow this? No

Additional Tips/Information: N/A