Table of Contents
Plant Care Guide: Beetroot – Detroit
Beetroot ‘Detroit’ is a popular, reliable variety known for its smooth, round roots and sweet, earthy flavour. It’s easy to grow and perfect for salads, roasting, or juicing.
Planting
- Best Time to Plant: Sow seeds directly outdoors from early spring to late summer.
- Soil Preparation: Prefers well-drained, loose, and fertile soil with a pH of 6.0-7.0.
- Spacing: Sow seeds 1.25 cm deep and 8-10 cm apart in rows spaced 30 cm apart.
- Sunlight: Requires full sun (at least 6 hours of direct sunlight per day).
- Watering: Keep soil consistently moist but not waterlogged.
Care & Maintenance
- Thinning: Once seedlings are about 5 cm tall, thin to 8-10 cm apart to allow proper root development.
- Fertilising: Apply a balanced fertiliser (10-10-10) at planting and once during mid-growth.
- Weeding: Keep the area weed-free to prevent competition for nutrients.
- Mulching: Apply mulch to retain moisture and suppress weeds.
Pests & Diseases
- Common Pests: Aphids, leaf miners, and caterpillars can attack beetroot plants. Use organic insecticides or companion planting to deter them.
- Common Diseases: Fungal infections such as powdery mildew and damping-off can occur. Ensure good air circulation and avoid overwatering to prevent these issues.
Companion Planting
- Good Companions: Lettuce, onions, radishes, and bush beans help improve beetroot growth and deter pests.
- Avoid Planting Near: Pole beans and mustard greens, as they can hinder beetroot development.
Harvesting
- When to Harvest: Ready in 50-60 days when roots are about 5-7 cm in diameter.
- How to Harvest: Gently pull up roots by hand or use a garden fork to loosen the soil.
- Storage: Store in a cool, dark place or refrigerate for up to 2 weeks.
Bonus Tip
Young beet greens are edible and delicious in salads or stir-fries!
Happy gardening! 🌱
Featured Products in This Post
Original price was: $1.49.$1.24Current price is: $1.24.Packet
