Customer Service Hours
Mon-Fri 8-4 MST
Features
Family
Amaranthaceae
Native
Europe, Asia, and the Mediterranean region
Life Cycle
Annual
Plant Height
Medium (12" - 24")
Further Information
Growing Conditions
Frost Tolerant
About Detroit Dark Red Beet Seeds
Beta vulgaris
2 ½"–3" blood red, globe shaped. Leaf tops are dark green on red stems. Introduced in 1892, 'Detroit Dark Red' is the standard for beets. It has particularly good tasting greens, and withstands fluctuations in temperature quite well.
Planting Beet
Days to Maturity
60 days
Plant Spacing
1 seed every 4"
Light Required
Full sun
Plant Height
Medium (12" - 24")
Planting Depth
½"
Coverage & Planting Details
| Coverage | This packet sows up to 33 feet. |
|---|---|
| Row Spacing | 12" |
| Seed Depth | ½" |
| Seed Spacing | 1 seed every 4" |
| Thinning | When 2" tall, thin to 1 every 4" |
| Germination | 5 – 21 days |
| Start Indoors | Not recommended. Root disturbance delays maturity. |
| Direct Sow | RECOMMENDED. 2 to 4 weeks before your average last frost date, when soil temperature is at least 45°F, ideally 60°–85°F, for early summer crop. 6 to 8 weeks before your average first fall frost date for late summer/fall crop. Mild Climates: Sow fall through winter. |
| Growing & Harvesting | For early spring sowings, harvest beets before summer heat. For late summer sowings, harvest before first heavy freeze. For winter sowings in mild climates, harvest in early spring. Harvest when roots are anywhere from 1"-3" in diameter. The smaller they are, the more tender. Greens are most tender when small, so start harvesting when they are 2" tall. You can take as much as one third of a beet plant's outer leaves without harming the root crop. |
Find Your Frost Date & Grow Zone
Average First Frost Date
October 19
Average Last Frost Date
May 19
Your Hardiness Zone is
5b
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Rating
Which best describes you as a gardener?
14 reviews
- ChristineRated 5 out of 5 stars10/1/265 Stars
Im excited to plant these!
- Linda F.WA, United StatesVerified BuyerRated 4 out of 5 stars9/30/26Detroit beets
Old standard I have grown since childhood. This year must have been a bad one for beets.
Which best describes you as a gardener? IntermediateWho do you grow for? YourselfHow do you prefer to grow? Raised BedBIBotanical Interests10/1/26Hey Linda,
Thank you so much for taking the time to share your thoughts in a review. We're sorry to hear that this year's crop didn't perform as well as you'd hoped, especially since these Detroit Dark Reds have been such a reliable favorite for you over the years. We'd love for you to give them another try next season.
Thank you again for your input. Keep on growing 🌻
- Frances K.Verified BuyerRated 5 out of 5 stars9/26/26sprouting great in my desert climate
I am so happy with the results.
Which best describes you as a gardener? IntermediateBIBotanical Interests9/27/26Hey Frances,
We're so happy to hear that your Detroit Dark Red Beet Seeds have been sprouting great in your desert climate! It's awesome that you're getting such great results. Thanks so much for being part of the growing community! Keep on growing 🌻
- Sue G.Verified BuyerRated 4 out of 5 stars7/3/26I love beets!
Really looking forward to harvesting. Germination seemed slower than usual, but the unusually cold and very wet spring here may have been the cause?
Which best describes you as a gardener? Intermediate - Wendy F.Rated 5 out of 5 stars9/9/25Best beets I've grown
I grew these Detroit Dark Reds alongside the Robin Reds. They both performed well, but I liked the feel of these better for pickling. They were heavy for their size and when blanched, peel very easily. Will definitely buy again.
Which best describes you as a gardener? Intermediate