Beetroot Detroit Red (Beta vulgaris) is an open pollinated, old heirloom variety developed in 1892 in Canada. The plants edible taproot is a deep red colour, tender and deliciously sweet. This versatile variety can be used fresh in salads and juices, for microgreens and is also a great pickling, canning or freezing beetroot. The plants leaves are edible too and great for salads as a substitute for spinach.
Beta vulgaris ( Beetroot) can be grown in pots.
Beetroots are highly nutritious; high in fibre, folate, potassium while the leafy greens are high in calcium and iron. Eating this vegetable can improve blood flow, boost immunity, and increase stamina. There is loads of benefits for those who juice beetroots on a regular basis.
Growth
Beta vulgaris or Beetroot Detroit Red is a biennial vegetable that grows to approximately 50 cm’s in height. They prefer loose, nutrient rich, well composted soil. The Detroit Red root can grow as large as 7-10 cm (2.7-4 inches) in diameter. Beetroot Detroit Red is resistant to downy mildew and tolerates both heat and cold well. Ready for harvest in 55-65 days. The leaves of this variety are bright green, the stem and leaf veins are red.
To harvest beetroot, wait until the root has developed into the size of golf ball for baby beets or two weeks later for mature sized vegetables.
Beetroot grows well with Onions, Lettuce, Radishes, Catnip, Cabbage but should be kept away from beans and tomatoes.
We always recommend growing your food organically, so when fertilising or trying to keep pests under control, keep in mind that there are always organic options. Your body and family will thank you!
Note: Germination instructions can be found in the ‘Germination Instructions Tab’ below. Upon purchase you will receive these detailed instructions via email so that you have a permanent record.
FAMILY:
Amaranthaceae
CLIMATE:
Cold to Tropical
TEMPERATURE RANGE:
10 to 30°C / 50 to 85°F can withstand light frosts and hot temperatures for short periods.
SOIL TYPE:
Soil should be loose and well-draining.
LOCATION:
Full sun will tolerate some shade. Prefers some shade in Summer.
HEIGHT:
Up to 25 cm’s (10 inches) above ground
WIDTH:
Up to 15 cm’s (6 inches)
pH:
6.0-7.5
GROWTH TYPE:
Biennial
WATER REQUIREMENTS:
Medium
POLLINATION:
Pollinated by Wind, Open Pollination
MATURITY:
Average 55-65 days
GERMINATION RATES:
94%
GERMINATION TIME:
10-14 days at temperatures between 14-22°C / 57-72°F
GERMINATION DIFFICULTY:
Easy
SEEDS PER GRAM:
Approximately 50
MEDICINAL QUALITIES:
Yes
WEED POTENTIAL:
No
EDIBLE:
Yes
SEED STORAGE & VIABILITY:
Cold Storage at 4°C (Fridge) up to 3 years.
FACTS ABOUT BETA VULGARIS (Beetroot Detroit Red)
It is believed beetroots were first domesticated for there leaves in ancient Middle East.
Apart from being full of nutrition, Beetroots also have numerous medicinal benefits, including assisting with diabetes, heart issues and even cancer. Click here for more information.
All Beta vulgaris plants such as Chard, Beetroot and Silverbeet are descendants of sea beet.
Beetroots are biennial which means they produce seeds after their second full season.
