Growing your own vegetables can be a rewarding experience, especially when it comes to harvesting them. One vegetable that is particularly satisfying to grow and harvest is the Detroit Dark Red Beet. This variety of beet is known for its deep crimson color, sweet flavor, and smooth texture. But knowing when and how to harvest these beets can be a bit tricky if you’re new to gardening. In this guide, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know about harvesting Detroit Dark Red Beets.
Understanding Detroit Dark Red Beets
The Detroit Dark Red Beet is a popular variety of beetroot that is loved by gardeners and cooks alike. It’s known for its deep red color, sweet taste, and smooth texture. This variety of beet is also known for its resistance to disease and its ability to thrive in a variety of climates, making it a great choice for gardeners of all experience levels.
According to the USDA, Detroit Dark Red Beets are a rich source of essential nutrients like fiber, vitamin C, and potassium. They’re also low in calories, making them a healthy addition to any diet.
When to Harvest Detroit Dark Red Beets
Knowing when to harvest your beets is crucial to ensure they’re at their best for eating. Harvesting too early can result in small, underdeveloped beets, while harvesting too late can lead to tough, woody beets.
Generally, Detroit Dark Red Beets are ready to harvest between 50 and 70 days after planting. However, the exact timing can vary depending on your local climate and growing conditions.
One way to tell if your beets are ready to harvest is by looking at the size of the beetroot. According to the University of Minnesota Extension, beets are typically ready to harvest when they’re about 1.5 to 2.5 inches in diameter. At this size, the beets will be tender and sweet.
Signs of Ready-to-Harvest Beets
Aside from size, there are a few other signs that your beets are ready to harvest:
- The tops of the beetroot will be visible above the soil.
- The leaves will be vibrant and healthy-looking.
- The beetroot will be firm to the touch.
How to Harvest Detroit Dark Red Beets
Once you’ve determined that your beets are ready to harvest, the next step is to actually harvest them. Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to do it:
- Loosen the soil around the beetroot with a garden fork or trowel. Be careful not to damage the beetroot in the process.
- Gently pull the beetroot from the ground. If it doesn’t come out easily, you can use your garden tool to help lift it out.
- Once you’ve harvested your beet, cut off the leaves and roots. Leave about 1 inch of the stem attached to prevent the beet from “bleeding” and losing its color and nutrients.
- Rinse the beets under cold water to remove any soil. Be careful not to scrub too hard as this can damage the skin of the beet.
Storing Your Harvested Beets
Once you’ve harvested your beets, you’ll need to store them properly to ensure they stay fresh. Here’s how:
- Store your beets in a cool, dark place. A basement or root cellar is ideal, but a refrigerator will also work.
- Beets can be stored in a plastic bag in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks. For longer storage, they can be canned, pickled, or frozen.
- If you’re planning on storing your beets for a long period of time, consider leaving the soil on them. This can help to preserve their freshness.
Common Issues and Solutions
While growing and harvesting Detroit Dark Red Beets is generally straightforward, there are a few common issues that you might encounter.
Beets Not Bulbing
If your beets aren’t forming bulbs, it could be due to a lack of phosphorus in the soil. According to the Penn State Extension, adding a phosphorus-rich fertilizer to your soil can help to promote root development.
Woody or Tough Beets
If your beets are woody or tough, it’s likely that they were left in the ground too long. Be sure to harvest your beets when they’re between 1.5 to 2.5 inches in diameter to ensure they’re tender and sweet.
Beetroot Diseases
Beets can be susceptible to a variety of diseases, including leaf spot, root rot, and beet curly top virus. To prevent these diseases, practice good crop rotation and make sure your beets are planted in well-drained soil.
Conclusion
Harvesting Detroit Dark Red Beets at the right time and in the right way can ensure you get the most out of your crop. With their rich flavor and nutritional benefits, these beets are a great addition to any garden. Happy harvesting!
Join Our Gardening Community
Ready to take your gardening skills to the next level? Subscribe for free to How to Grow Everything and learn how to build the garden of your dreams! Receive personalized advice and information tailored to your specific grow zone and interests. Enjoy the best gardening tips, special offers, and insights delivered straight to your inbox—no spam, just valuable knowledge from our family to yours. Start growing your perfect Detroit Dark Red Beets and much more today!
