Matures in 58 days.
Planting companions: Beans, strawberries, cucumbers, onions, members of the cabbage family, ...
Unsuitable companions: Tomato, leek, carrot, potato,
This blood-red beet is one of the most beloved and commonly used beets for canning! The green and red stems can be harvested earlier and eaten in salads. One-third of the leaves can be harvested without damaging or jeopardizing the plant.
Directly sow beet seeds in the garden 4 weeks before the last expected frost. Plant them in full sun in rich, well-drained soil at a depth of 1 inch and 2 inches apart. Germination should occur within 5 to 15 days.
Since each beet seed can contain up to 8 seeds, the seedlings will need to be thinned to 3 inches apart. Uprooted plants will produce a second crop and place their harvest about 2 weeks behind the first harvest. Be careful not to damage the seedlings during weeding. Beets prefer cool weather and can survive temperatures down to -3°C (25°F)!
Detroit Dark Red beets taste better and are more tender when harvested between 1" and 3" in diameter. After uprooting them, cut the foliage to about 1" from the stem to prevent the beets from bleeding. Detroit Dark Red beets store well for later use or for canning.