Beetroot Detroit

How to take care of Beetroot Detroit

Beetroot likes a non acidic soil and part shade or full sun. If your soil is acidic add lime. If planted in full sun make sure the soil doesn't dry out. Prepare the soil in autumn prior to planting, remove any large clumps or stone that may restrict the root growth. If possible two or three weeks before sowing, spread a general granular fertiliser over the soil. For best results always sow seed directly into a position where it can remain until harvest. If sowing in rows leave around 30cm between rows. Sow the seeds at around 2cm depth and cover with soil. After sowing make sure the soil remains damp until the seeds have germinated. Thin seedlings out when they are approx 5cm tall, leave the strongest looking ones in the ground, and eat the small ones in salads. Keep the plants well watered and regularly remove weeds. Harvest after approx 90 days or when the beetroot is the size of a tennis ball. Gently dig under the root with and lift the bulb out of the soil taking care not to damage the outer skin. Twist off the stems to stop the purple colour from bleeding. Clean to remove any soil, store in boxes layered with sand and keep in a cool airy place such as a garage or shed.If you have limited space Beetroot can also be grown in containers