Type; Vegetable Seeds Common Name; Beet Features; Open-Pollinating Country/Region of Manufacture; United States Color; Red Sunlight; Full Sun Detroit dark red beets are considered one of the most outstanding beet varieties, and for more than a hundred years it served as a standard by which all other beets were judged. It produced well formed, almost round, blood-red 8cm diameter, nutritious roots. Growers regard it as one of the most dependable root crops to grow for taste and keeping quality. It grows well in almost all soil types, is heat and cold tolerant, has a good tolerance to bolting and is resistant to a number of diseases like Cercospora Leaf Spot and common Bean Mosaic Virus. It also has a moderate tolerance to Downy Mildew. With its sweet flavour and fine texture, Detroit Dark red is an all-round best for canning, freezing and using fresh. Young leave make an excellent and colourful addition to salads and the mature greens can be cooked like chard or spinach. It contains a number of nutrients including Iron, Calcium, Folic Acid and Vitamins A, B and C vitamins. It is also a good anti-oxidant that can help to fight of cancer. They have one of the highest sugar contents of all vegetables, yet are low in calories. GROWING INFORMATION CULTURE:First-rate crops grow quickly in light or loamy soils with a pH over 6.0. In general, cool temperatures produce the best flesh color. Acute weather fluctuations will cause zoning (white rings) in the roots. TRANSPLANTING: Sow seed in a cold frame or indoors in early spring, about 5-6 weeks before transplanting out after heavy frosts become infrequent. Sow seeds 1/2" deep, 3-4 seeds per inch. Transplant out 3" apart in rows 12-18" apart. DIRECT SEEDING: Begin early sowings when soil has warmed to 45F/7C. Sow 15 seeds/ft. 1/2" deep, rows 12-18" apart. Thin to 1 plant per 2". For a continuous supply of greens and small tender beets, sow seed at 2-week intervals until 8 weeks before regular heavy frosts are expected. NOTE: Images Shown are of Mature Plants