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An image of the plant grown with seed for Heirloom Detroit Dark Beet Seeds - Sweet Blood Red Flesh, Ideal for Smooth Root & Nutritious Greens, Perfect for Salads and Pickling, Non-GMO, Introduced in 1892
  • An image of the plant grown with seed for Heirloom Detroit Dark Beet Seeds - Sweet Blood Red Flesh, Ideal for Smooth Root & Nutritious Greens, Perfect for Salads and Pickling, Non-GMO, Introduced in 1892
Heirloom Detroit Dark Beet Seeds - Sweet Blood Red Flesh, Ideal for Smooth Root & Nutritious Greens, Perfect for Salads and Pickling, Non-GMO, Introduced in 1892
$4.99 CAD
Maturity

55 Days
Sunlight

Full Sun
Watering

Regular

Difficulty

Easy to grow
Life cycle

Biennial
Grow Zones

2 - 11

Quick Reference

Zones

Plant Hardiness Zones describe the average minimum winter temperature for a region. They tell you where a plant can reliably survive outdoors. For example, Zone 5 can handle colder winters than Zone 9. Matching a plant to your zone increases the chance of long-term success.

Days

  • For food crops: Days to maturity is the expected number of days from planting to first harvest. This helps gardeners plan their growing season and time their harvests.
  • For non-food plants: Days to germination indicates how long it usually takes seeds to sprout under normal conditions. This is key for starting seeds successfully.

Types

  • F1 (Hybrid): A cross between two parent varieties. Hybrids are bred for vigor, uniformity, and specific traits such as disease resistance. Seeds saved from F1 plants don’t grow true to type. That means if you try to regrow them from seed, the plant won't necessarily be the same as last year's
  • OP (Open-Pollinated): Varieties that naturally pollinate and remain stable across generations. Seeds can be saved and replanted with consistent results.
  • HM (Heirloom): An open-pollinated variety that has been handed down for many generations. Heirlooms are valued for flavor, tradition, and genetic diversity.

Grows

  • Outdoors: Well-suited for garden beds, raised beds, or open soil, where natural conditions are stable.
  • Windowsill: Compact plants that thrive in containers indoors, often needing only modest light.
  • Anywhere: Highly adaptable plants that perform reliably in both indoor and outdoor settings.

Lifecycle

  • Annual: Grows, flowers, sets seed, and dies in one growing season. Many vegetables and flowers are annuals.
  • Perennial: Lives for multiple years, regrowing each season after going dormant. Often used in landscaping or long-term food crops.
  • Sp. Perennial (Self-Perennializing): A plant that reseeds itself or self-pollinates, giving the effect of perennial growth even if individual plants live shorter lives.

Size

Indicates the recommended container size or soil depth for best growth.

  • “X″ Pot”: The ideal pot diameter (e.g., 5″ Pot), ensuring enough root space.
  • DS (Deep Soil): Requires planting directly in the ground or in a deep raised bed, as shallow pots restrict growth.
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  • Vibrant Appearance: Produces smooth, uniform beets with deep, blood red flesh known for its sweet flavor and 14-inch leafy tops which are excellent for greens.
  • Growing Requirements: Thrives in full sun to partial shade, adaptable to a variety of soil types; plant seeds 1 cm deep in rows spaced 45 cm apart.
  • Harvest Information: Best harvested when beets reach 5 cm in diameter; pull roots carefully to maintain integrity and prevent bleeding during cooking.
  • Culinary Versatility: Perfect for a variety of dishes from fresh salads to sweetened pickles; young beets and leafy greens are packed with vitamins.
  • Robust & Hearty: This heirloom variety, introduced in 1892, is resilient against common pests and diseases, ensuring a bountiful harvest.

Embrace the rich heritage of the Heirloom Detroit Dark Beet, a timeless variety introduced in 1892. Known for its smooth, blood-red flesh and sweet flavor, this beet is a staple for those who love fresh salads and delightful pickles. Its 14-inch leafy tops are not only vibrant but also packed with nutrients, making them perfect for greens.

Easy to grow and resilient, Detroit Dark Beets thrive in full sun to partial shade and adapt well to various soil types. Whether you’re a beginner or seasoned gardener, these beets promise a bountiful harvest. Plant them in well-spaced rows, and enjoy the culinary versatility they bring to your kitchen. From fresh salads to sweetened pickles, both the roots and greens will enhance your meals with their rich flavor and nutritional benefits.
Size
How much seed do I need?

Seeds per gram: 50
Average germination rate: 80%

Package sizes

  • 7 grams — 350 seeds — 280 plants — covers about 95–135 sq. ft.
  • 25 grams — 1,250 seeds — 1,000 plants — covers about 340–480 sq. ft.
  • 125 grams — 6,250 seeds — 5,000 plants — covers about 1,700–2,400 sq. ft.
  • 500 grams — 25,000 seeds — 20,000 plants — covers about 6,800–9,600 sq. ft.

Plant growth and coverage

  • Compact, upright rosette with robust leafy tops
  • Height: ~35 cm (14 in)
  • Spread: 20–30 cm (8–12 in)
  • Spacing: sow 1 cm deep; thin to 7–10 cm (3–4 in) apart in-row; rows 45 cm (18 in) apart

Choosing a packet size

  • The 7-gram packet is ideal for home gardeners, small raised beds, or trial plantings for fresh roots and nutrient-rich greens.
  • The 25-gram packet suits larger home gardens and community plots planning succession sowings or a steady supply for salads and pickling.
  • The 125-gram packet fits small market growers, school gardens, or landscapers establishing substantial edible borders and continuous harvests.
  • The 500-gram packet is best for market farms, CSAs, or large-scale plantings needing multiple successions and consistent, high-density rows.
GROWING INSTRUCTIONS

Sow Detroit Dark Beet seeds directly into the garden as soon as the soil can be worked in early spring. Plant seeds 1 cm deep and space rows 45 cm apart. Thin seedlings to 5 cm apart once they have sprouted.

Germination typically occurs within 5-10 days. Beets prefer cool weather, so consider a second planting in late summer for a fall harvest. Transplanting is not recommended, as beets do best when direct-seeded.

Water regularly to keep the soil consistently moist but not waterlogged. Harvest beets when they reach about 5 cm in diameter. Use the greens in salads or as cooked greens. Store harvested beets in a cool, dark place for extended freshness.
SHIPPING & RETURNS

In Canada, we use fast shipping from our Canadian warehouses. You can expect delivery in 1-3 days.

In the USA, We use our US warehouses, and you can expect your order in 1-3 days, too.

No postaged lettermail or slow shipping from across the world. No customs fees or orders withheld at the border. Tracking numbers for all orders.

We strive to process and ship all orders in a timely manner, working diligently to ensure that your items are on their way to you as soon as possible. Our return policy covers you for late, damaged or defective products.

 Read Our Shipping & Returns Policy

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