Beetroot Detroit is an early globe-rooted variety with smooth round roots and deep red, sweet, tender flesh. The most reliable beetroot you can grow in Ireland. Sow from March to July, harvest from June onwards. Almost impossible to get wrong.
Fine texture and juicy consistency. Roast it, boil it, pickle it, or grate it raw into salads. The leaves are edible too, used like spinach. One packet gives you enough roots to last the season.
🌱 Sowing information
Sow from late March to June in fine, stone‑free soil. Make shallow drills 2 cm deep and 30 cm apart; sow seeds 3-5 cm apart, cover lightly and water. For earliest crops, use cloches or fleece. Pre‑soaking seeds can speed germination.
☀️ Light exposure
Prefers full sun but tolerates light partial shade. In Ireland, a bright, well‑drained bed ensures good root shape and colour.
💧 Water needs
Keep soil evenly moist, especially during germination. Avoid drought followed by heavy watering to prevent splitting. Mulching helps retain moisture and suppress weeds.
🌡️ Germination temperature & time
Germinates at 7-10 °C, usually emerging in 7-14 days. Late‑March sowings typically match suitable soil conditions.
📏 Plant spacing & final size
Thin seedlings to 8-10 cm apart, with 25-30 cm between rows. This spacing supports uniform, well‑coloured roots.
🌼 Harvesting notes
Harvest baby beets at golf‑ball size or allow to reach 5-7 cm for fuller roots. Lift gently, twist off leaves to reduce bleeding, and store in a cool, dark place or process promptly.
Bullet Technical Data
• 🌱 Sowing depth: 2 cm
• 📅 Planting months (Ireland): March to end June
• ☀️ Light: Full sun to light partial shade
• 🌡️ Germination: 7-14 days at 7-10 °C
• 📏 Plant height: 25-40 cm foliage; 5-7 cm roots
• 🪴 Spacing: 8-10 cm plants; 25-30 cm rows
• ⏳ Days to maturity: 50-70 days
• 🧪 Seeds per packet: approx. 480
