Beet Detroit Dark Red

Beets, particularly the Detroit Dark Red variety, are prized for their sweet flavor and vibrant color. Growing your own beets allows you to enjoy their freshness and nutritional benefits straight from the garden to your plate.

Preparing for Growing:

1. Selecting a planting location: Choose a sunny spot with well-drained soil.
2. Soil preparation: Amend soil with organic matter to improve fertility and drainage.
3. Purchasing or preparing containers/pots: If growing in containers, ensure they have drainage holes and are large enough for beet roots to develop.

Starting from Seeds Indoors:

1. Seed preparation: Soak seeds overnight for better germination.
2. Choosing suitable pots/containers: Use seed trays or small pots filled with seed-starting mix.
3. Sowing and caring for seeds indoors: Sow seeds 1/2 inch deep and keep soil consistently moist. Provide warmth and light for optimal growth.
4. Transplanting to larger containers if necessary: Once seedlings have true leaves, transplant to larger containers if roots outgrow their initial space.

Starting from Seeds Outdoors:

1. Soil preparation: Prepare a fine, crumbly seedbed free of debris.
2. Selecting appropriate timing and method for outdoor sowing: Sow seeds directly into the garden 2-4 weeks before the last frost date in your area.
3. Caring for seeds outdoors: Keep soil consistently moist until seedlings emerge, then thin to proper spacing.

Growing in Containers/Pots:

1. Selecting suitable plants for containers: Choose compact varieties suitable for container growing, such as Detroit Dark Red.
2. Container and soil preparation: Ensure containers have good drainage and use a well-draining potting mix.
3. Sowing or transplanting plants into containers: Plant seeds or transplant seedlings at appropriate spacing for container growth.
4. Caring for container plants: Water regularly to keep soil evenly moist and fertilize every 2-3 weeks with a balanced fertilizer.

Transplanting to Garden:

1. Soil and planting site preparation: Amend garden soil with compost and ensure proper drainage. Choose a sunny location.
2. Correct timing and method for transplanting: Transplant seedlings when they have 2-4 true leaves, spacing them 3-4 inches apart.
3. Post-transplant care: Keep soil evenly moist and provide a light layer of mulch to conserve moisture.

Plant Care:

1. Watering: Keep soil consistently moist, especially during dry spells.
2. Fertilizing: Apply a balanced fertilizer every 3-4 weeks to promote healthy growth.
3. Weeding: Keep the area around beets free of weeds to reduce competition for nutrients.
4. Pest and disease management: Monitor for pests like aphids and diseases like powdery mildew. Use organic pest control methods when needed.

Harvesting:

1. Determining when plants are ready for harvest: Beets are typically ready for harvest 50-70 days after sowing when roots reach desired size.
2. Harvesting and storage guidelines: Gently lift beets from the soil, being careful not to damage the roots. Remove tops, leaving an inch of stem attached, and store in a cool, dark place.

When to Start from Seeds by USDA Plant Hardiness Zones:

• Zone 2-3: Start seeds indoors 6-8 weeks before the last frost date, or sow directly outdoors after the danger of frost has passed.
• Zone 4-6: Begin indoor seeding 4-6 weeks before the last frost date, or sow directly outdoors when soil can be worked and temperatures are consistently above freezing.
• Zone 7-9: Directly sow seeds outdoors in early spring for a spring harvest, or in late summer for a fall harvest.
• Zone 10-11: Start seeds indoors or sow directly outdoors in late summer or early fall for a winter harvest, as beets prefer cooler temperatures for optimal growth.

Fast Facts:

• Planting depth: 1/2 inch
• Seed spacing: 2-3 inches
• Plant spacing: 3-4 inches
• Number of seeds per pot/container: 2-3 seeds per pot
• Water preferences: Evenly moist soil, avoid overwatering.
• Sun preferences: Full sun to partial shade
• Soil type and other important factors: Well-draining soil rich in organic matter
• Companion Planting: Beets grow well with carrots, onions, and lettuce.
• Temperature Preference: Cool weather crop, prefers temperatures between 50-75°F.
• Days to Germination: 7-14 days
• Days to Harvest: 50-70 days