DescriptionDetroit Dark Red Beet SeedsScientific Name: Beta vulgarisFamily: GoosefootType: BiennialNative Range: Lower 48 States and Puerto RicoHardiness Zones: 3-10; beets can tolerate some cold and roots can remain in the ground until a hard freeze;Soil Requirements: light loamy soil with even supply of moisture, protected from prolonged periods of heat; slightly acidic pH [6.5 – 7];Light Preference: Full sunWater: ModerateDays until Germination: 10-15 daysSowing: Sow beets 2″ deep after soil has warmed to around 45°.Plant Spacing: Detroit Dark Red Beet seeds are actually a cluster of ~2-6 seeds. Sow thinly about 1″-3″ apart, in rows 12″-24″ apart. After germination, snip or pull out the weaker seedlings from the cluster. Thin to 4″ between plants. Plant Height: Greens 6″-10″Harvest: 45-55 days; can be harvested at full-size or anytime after their tops have poked up out of the ground; utilize the greens for salads; may be left for a week or two after maturity in soil to increase storage time, though texture may become slightly woody;Grows Well With: Bush beans, onions, lettuce, kohlrabi and most members of the Cabbage family Grows Poorly With: Pole beans, field mustard, charlockPotential Problems: Damping off; cutworms; aphids; blister beetles; beet webworms; grasshoppers; snails and slugs; leafminer larvae; mosaic virus; downy mildew; cracked roots; June beetle larvae;Uses & Cooking Suggestions: fantastic on its own especially glazed with balsamic vinegar
