The Old Farmer's Almanac Heirloom Detroit Dark Red Beet Seeds - Premium Non-GMO, Open Pollinated, USA Origin, Vegetable Seeds

Beets are a cool weather crop best sown directly in early spring, after the danger of frost has passed, or in early fall. They are sensitive to acidic soils and prefer a pH of 6.0-7.0. Plant 3-4 seeds 1/2" deep and 1-2" apart in fertile, organically rich, well-drained soil. Keep the soil moist for the first 21 days. Once true leaves are established, thin back to 1 plant every 2-3". After 45-55 days, beets should be 2-3" wide; but they can be harvested earlier if “baby” beets are preferred.

Enjoy more beets... Sow beets every 2-3 weeks for continued harvests throughout the season.

Don't throw away the tops! Detroit Dark Red Beets have scarlet stems and deep green tops that taste delicious; and can be cooked and enjoyed like spinach or swiss chard.

Wit & Wisdom: Beets have long been considered an aphrodisiac: Ancient Greeks thought that Aphrodite, their goddess of love, used them to enhance her appeal. Read The Old Farmer's Almanac Beets Growing Guide!

Help Your Plants Thrive with Weed Control: Weeds compete with vegetables, flowers and other plants for water, space and nutrients. Give your plants their best life by keeping weeds under control with Organic Weed Barrier Paper, mulch or careful weeding.

Are Your Seeds Heirloom? What are Heirloom Seeds?
Heirloom Seeds (sometimes called Heritage Seeds) are open pollinated vegetable and herb seed strains that have been planted, grown and harvested for several generations (usually more than 30 or 50 years depending on the variety) with consistent results. Heirloom seeds are always non-GMO and are never hybrids. All of our vegetable and herb seeds are heirloom seeds.

Are Your Seeds Non-GMO? What Does Non-GMO Mean?
Non-GMO means seeds (or other products) that were produced without genetic engineering and were not derived from GMOs (Genetically Modified Organisms). All of our seeds are non-GMO.

Where do Your Seeds Come From?
Most of the seeds offered on our site are USA Origin seeds sourced from certified US based suppliers. We do also source a small number of seeds from other countries. To view the specific origin of any of our current seed offerings, check the seed packet or look in the specifications for "Country of Origin" on any product page.

Are Your Seeds Packed for the Current Growing Season?
All of our seed packets are packed for the current growing season. If stored properly they will provide high germination rates for 1-2 additional years as well.

How Can I Store My Seeds Safely for Use in the Future?
Our seeds will generally retain their high germination rates for several years from the date of purchase. If you're planning on saving your seeds for us in the future, the most important thing to remember that seeds like to be stored where it is cool, dry and dark. The easiest way to ensure this for long term storage at home is to double-seal your seeds inside two zipper style bags and then place them in the freezer. (Make sure you label your seeds for future reference if they're not in original packaging.) When you're ready to plant your seeds, take just the ones you want to use out of the freezer and let them sit on a counter, in a covered container, for a few days to thaw and stabilize before being planted. To preserve germination rates, minimize temperature, light and humidity fluctuations by storing your seeds at the back of the freezer and only taking them out when you're ready to use them.

What Does the "Packed For" Year Mean on the Back of Seed Packets?
Federal regulations require seed packets to include "Packed For" Year markings. The "Packed For" Year is not an expiration date, it is only an indicator of when the seeds were packaged. "Packed For" Years can help gardeners determine how viable (able to germinate) seeds are likely to be. If stored properly -- in a dark, cool, dry place -- most seeds will deliver high germination rates for several years after the "Packed For" date.

The Package with my Seeds in was Left Outside in Freezing and/or Rainy Weather. Will the Seeds Still Work?
As long as your seeds have not gotten wet they should work fine. Freezing temperatures will not hurt the seeds.

Are Your Seeds Treated?
No. The USDA Certified Organic Program prohibits the use of treated seeds. All of our seeds -- whether certified organic or not -- are untreated.

The Old Farmer's Almanac Beet Seeds (Detroit Dark Red)