Beets

Basic Information

Seed Number

96

Seed Name

Beets

Variety

Detroit Dark Red

Category

Vegetable

Plant Family

Amaranthaceae

Plant Type

Table beet (Beta vulgaris)

Planting Method

Direct Sow

Seed Status

In Seed Bank

Created

2026-08-14 00:50:34

Updated

2026-08-19 15:35:29

Planting Information

Start Planting Date

Mar 15

Last Recommended Planting Date

Aug 20

Plantable Months

March, April, May, June, July, August

Indoor Start

Not recorded

Direct Sow

Mar 15 – Aug 20

Transplant

Not Recommended

Indoor Start Weeks Before Frost

Not Recommended

Transplant Weeks After Frost

Not Recommended

Germination Days

5–14 days

Harvest/Maturity

55–60 days

Succession Planting

14 days

Growing Conditions

Ideal Soil Temperature

50-85°F

Planting Depth

1/2 in

Plant Spacing

3-4 in

Row Spacing

12-18 in

Thin-To Spacing

3-4 in

Sun Requirements

Full sun; tolerates partial shade

Water Needs

About 1 in/week; keep soil evenly moist for tender, uniform roots

Soil Preference

Loose, fertile, well-drained soil; approximately pH 6.0-7.0; remove stones and avoid excessive nitrogen

Minimum Container Size

8-10 in deep

Plant Height

12-18 in

Perennial/Biennial Status

Biennial

Container Friendly

Yes

Trellis/Support Needed

No

Frost Tolerant

Yes

Heat Tolerant

No

Drought Tolerant

No

Pollinator Friendly

No

Medicinal

No

Garden Uses

Companion Planting

Storage

Seed Source/Brand

Urban Farmer; Botanical Interests; MSU Extension

Packet Year

Not recorded

Quantity Notes

Not recorded

Purchase Date

Not recorded

Expiration Year

Not recorded

Storage Box

Not recorded

Container

Not recorded

Envelope

Not recorded

Row

Not recorded

Slot

Not recorded

Storage Notes

Not recorded

Notes

Original Planting Method: Direct sow preferred
Outdoor / Direct Sow / Transplant Window: Mar 25 – May 15; Jul 15 – Aug 10
Days to Harvest / Bloom: 55–60 days
Container Friendly: Yes, 8–12+ in deep
Pollinator Friendly: Low when harvested; second-year flowers can attract insects
Medicinal / Herbal Use: Culinary; roots and greens are edible
Perennial?: Biennial botanically; grown as an annual vegetable
Succession / Reusable Notes: Sow every 2 weeks during cool planting windows for a steady harvest.
Zone 6B Notes: Excellent spring/fall crop. Light frost is tolerated; fall roots can be especially sweet.
Companion Plants: Lettuce, onions, cabbage-family crops, radishes, peas
Avoid Planting Near / Watch Outs: Each beet seed cluster may produce several seedlings, so thin promptly. Avoid compacted/rocky soil and fresh manure.
Sources: Urban Farmer: https://www.ufseeds.com/product/detroit-dark-red-beet-seeds/BEDDR.html | Botanical Interests: https://www.botanicalinterests.com/products/detroit-dark-red-beet-seeds | MSU Extension: https://www.canr.msu.edu/resources/garden_planning_calendar

[[RESEARCH ENRICHMENT START]]
Zone 6B: Direct sow several weeks before the May 5 last frost for a spring crop. Sow again from midsummer into August for fall roots. Beets tolerate light frost and cool fall weather well.
Germination: Each beet seed unit is a cluster that may produce multiple seedlings, so thinning is important. Keep the seedbed consistently moist during germination.
Harvest: Harvest roots when approximately 2-3 inches across for best tenderness. Greens are also edible and can be harvested lightly while roots develop.
Seed Saving: Beets are biennial and require overwintering or vernalization before flowering. They are wind-pollinated and cross readily with other Beta vulgaris crops, including Swiss chard.
Special Care: Thin promptly to prevent crowded or undersized roots. Detroit Dark Red is a classic round, deep-red storage and canning beet.
Research Source: Better Homes & Gardens — https://www.bhg.com/gardening/plant-dictionary/vegetable/beet/ — Detroit Dark Red identity, approximately 60-day maturity, root size and cool-season culture
Research Source: University of Minnesota Extension — https://extension.umn.edu/vegetables/growing-beets — beet planting timing, spacing, soil, watering, thinning and frost tolerance
[[RESEARCH ENRICHMENT END]]