'Detroit Dark Red' Beetroot on Ribbon
identification
description
'Detroit Dark Red' beetroot on ribbon (Beta vulgaris) from McKenzie Seeds, a versatile heirloom variety with intense red flesh
The 'Detroit Dark Red' beetroot is an iconic heirloom variety , renowned for its round, uniform, dark red roots with fine, tender, and non-fibrous flesh . The texture remains consistent throughout the root, offering a rich and balanced earthy flavor that is highly prized both fresh and processed. The vigorous foliage produces edible leaves , excellent in salads or lightly sautéed.
Presented on seed tape , this version allows for precise and even sowing , reducing thinning and facilitating planting in the vegetable garden. As with all seed tapes, it is essential to maintain consistent moisture throughout germination to ensure uniform emergence. With a mid-to-early maturity, this variety is ideal for fresh consumption , freezing , canning , and pickling . It is safe for bees and beneficial to pollinators.
Companion plants: Brassicaceae, Bush bean, Cabbage, Garlic, Lettuce, Onion, Kohlrabi
Nefarious plants: Pole beans
Spread/Habit: Round root, upright foliage
Foliage height: 30 to 45 cm
Seed producer: McKenzie
Seed type: Heirloom
Physical seed type: Seed on tape
Quantity per pack: Approximately 4.5 m (15 ft) of tape
Special features: Dark red flesh, slow bolting, high yield, excellent storage, edible leaves
Root color: Dark red
Texture/flavor: Tender flesh, fine grain, rich earthy taste
Climate tolerance: Tolerates moderate heat, heavy soils, and light frosts
Farming method
Beetroot is a cool-season crop and should be sown directly in the ground as soon as the soil can be worked in spring. The optimal soil temperature for germination is between 10 and 29 °C .
Make shallow furrows 1.3 cm deep, spaced 30 cm apart. Place the seed tape in the furrow, water thoroughly, then cover with about 1.3 cm of soil . Water gently again. It is crucial to keep the soil consistently moist , but not waterlogged, throughout germination, which usually takes 10 to 12 days .
No thinning is normally required thanks to the pre-established spacing of the tape. Sow successively every 2 to 3 weeks until mid-July to ensure a continuous harvest.
Beetroot prefers full sun exposure (level 3) and regular watering , equivalent to 2.5 to 5 cm of water per week .
Harvesting and preservation
Harvesting typically begins 50 to 60 days after sowing . Beets can be harvested at different stages depending on the desired use: young for a very tender texture or at full size for processing. Harvest before a hard frost .
Store the roots at 0°C , with a relative humidity of approximately 95% and good air circulation. To limit bleeding, it is recommended to remove the skin after cooking .
Usage ideas
• Fresh or roasted beets
• Marinades and preserves
• Freezing
• Soups and stews
• Sautéed greens or greens in salads
McKenzie's ' Detroit Dark Red' beetroot tape offers the same renowned quality as the seed version, with the added simplicity and precision of tape application . A reliable choice for the vegetable garden, dependable, nutritious, and perfectly suited to gardeners seeking efficiency and consistency.
