Detroit Dark Red Beet is a classic heirloom variety prized for its smooth, round roots, deep burgundy-red color, and exceptionally sweet, tender flavor. A favorite among gardeners for more than a century, this dependable beet produces uniform roots and nutritious, glossy green tops that are equally delicious when harvested young.
Perfect for fresh eating, roasting, pickling, canning, and juicing, Detroit Dark Red delivers outstanding flavor and rich color in every harvest. Its adaptability, reliable yields, and excellent storage quality make it one of the most popular beet varieties for home gardens and market growers alike.
- Type: Heirloom, open-pollinated biennial (grown as an annual)
- Direct sow: 2–4 weeks before the last spring frost through late summer
- Sun: Full sun to partial shade
- Spacing: 3–4 inches
- Root size: 3–4 inches in diameter
- Days to harvest: 55–60 days
Beets grow best in loose, fertile, well-drained soil with consistent moisture. Sow seeds directly outdoors and thin seedlings to allow roots to size up properly. Harvest young roots for the most tender texture, or allow them to mature for larger beets. The nutritious greens can be harvested throughout the season and enjoyed fresh or cooked.