Organic Beetroot ‘Detroit 2’

£2.30

Availability: In stock

Soil Association Organic Logo          Beta Vulgaris – 3.2g – Approx 200 Seeds       

Detroit 2 is a traditional main crop which is absolutely packed with flavour and has a deep red colour. It is popular amongst home gardeners and growers alike. 

The roots are not always uniform but the flavour more than makes up for this.

The Detroit beetroot was developed in Michigan in 1892 by DM Ferry Seed Company. Many cultivars have been developed from the original Detroit beet, often containing the Detroit name.  

The seeds should be sown in modules in the spring and planted out when large enough approximately 10cm apart. Sow successionally until mid summer

Seed Story

Ancient Egyptians, Greeks and Romans first domesticated the beetroot and grew it for its greens. It is believed that the Romans were the first to cultivate it for its root however this was used for medical treatments for digestive or blood issues. 

Hippocrates used to dress wounds with beetroot leaves. 

The original beetroots looked more like a carrot or parsnip and were usually white or even black. The first mention of a red beetroot was in Northern Italy in the 17th Century. The round root we know today did not appear in England until the 16th and 17th centuries. They were introduced to the US by European immigrants.

Beets can be eaten raw and grated into salads, boiled, roasted, pickled or eaten cold after cooking.