Detroit Dark Red

Beet

55d to harvest

Sweet, earthy-sweet flavor blooms with a rich, velvety depth in Detroit Dark Red, where the roots shine in deep crimson-red and hold their color beautifully. Expect tender, fine-grained texture that stays pleasantly crisp, with greens that rise in a sturdy, upright habit for an abundant harvest. Ideal for roasting, fresh slicing, and vibrant pickling, this classic red beet delivers reliable performance for gardeners who want bold color and memorable taste in every bed.

Crop Dates

Growing note: In frost-free Zone 13a, grow this cool-season crop during the cooler dry season (October–February).

Milestone	Date
Start Indoors	—
Climate	Frost-Free Climate
Transplant / Sow Outdoors	Oct 1st
Harvest Begins	Nov 25th
Harvest Ends	Feb 28th

Crop Details

Trait	Value
Days to Maturity	55
Sun Requirements	Full Sun
Growth Habit	Rosette
Support Needed	None
Planting Depth	Normal
Germination Temp (°F)	50
Min Soil Temp (°F)	45
Min Night Temp (°F)	28
Harden Off (days)	Not Required

Frequently Asked Questions

Why are my Detroit Dark Red beets developing black, crusty spots or rotting near the soil line—what should I do?

This is often stem-end/foliar fungal rot or poor emergence related to consistently wet soil and reduced airflow. Water early in the day, keep the bed evenly moist (not soggy), and thin seedlings promptly so leaves don’t stay packed and damp. Remove heavily affected plants, avoid overhead watering, and consider switching to a mulch that keeps beet crowns drier while still holding moisture.

How often should I water Detroit Dark Red beets during the main growing phase to get firm roots?

After seedlings establish, water about 1 inch per week total, split into 2–3 sessions during dry spells, aiming for evenly moist soil 4–6 inches down. If the surface dries out completely between waterings, roots can become woody; if it stays waterlogged, plants are prone to rot. Check by feel: the top 1–2 inches should be slightly moist, not muddy.

How can I tell when Detroit Dark Red beets (Beta vulgaris subsp. vulgaris) are ready to harvest?

Harvest when roots are roughly 1.5–3 inches across, typically around 55 days from sowing for Detroit Dark Red. You’ll see the beet tops push up at the soil surface, and older, larger roots that grow past this size often become tougher. Pull a test beet first—if the skin is glossy and the flesh is deep red with good firmness, harvest the rest.