How to Grow Double Red Beet
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Double Red Beet
Beta vulgaris 'Double Red'
vegetableDouble Red is a heirloom beet variety prized for its deep crimson roots with striking concentric red and white rings when sliced. The variety produces tender, sweet roots ideal for both culinary use and ornamental display. It combines excellent flavor with beautiful striping, making it popular among home gardeners and chefs alike.
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Example Double Red Beet timeline · Pittsburgh, PA (Zone 6b)
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Plant Double Red Beet
Around Apr 17Near Pittsburgh's average last spring frost.
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Tend & protect
Late spring–summerWatering, feeding, and pest-watch reminders.
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Harvest Double Red Beet
Around Jun 11≈ 55 days after planting
Sample dates for Pittsburgh, PA. Sign up to get exact Double Red Beet dates for your own zip code.
Growing Conditions
Soil
Growing Zones
Find your zone →Thrives in zones 2-10; best as spring/fall crop in warm regions
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Seedling
10-14 daysCotyledons emerge with small true leaves; seedlings are delicate with thin stems and oval seed leaves.
Thin seedlings to 3-inch spacing when 2-3 inches tall. Keep soil consistently moist but not soggy. Provide bright light to prevent leggy growth.
Vegetative Growth
3-4 weeksGreen foliage expands with deeply lobed leaves emerging from the crown. Root begins swelling below soil surface.
Maintain consistent moisture and weekly watering. Mulch around plants to retain moisture and keep soil cool. Thin to final spacing of 3-4 inches if not done earlier.
Root Development
2-3 weeksRoot becomes visible at soil surface, developing distinctive deep red coloring. Foliage reaches full size.
Ensure steady water supply; drought stress reduces quality. Monitor for pests like leaf miners and aphids. Keep foliage healthy as it feeds the root.
Maturity
1-2 weeksRoots reach 2-3 inches in diameter with fully developed coloring. The characteristic red and white concentric rings develop fully.
Check root size by gently pushing soil away from top. Harvest when 2-3 inches in diameter for best texture. Roots left too long become woody.
Harvest
Harvest windowRoots are firm, smooth-skinned, and display vibrant deep red color with distinctive white striping when cut.
Harvest promptly at peak maturity. Pull gently or use a garden fork to avoid damage. Remove greens 1-2 inches above root.
Common Pests
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Remove and destroy affected leaves immediately. Use floating row covers on young plants. Spinosad spray for heavy infestations. Avoid overcrowding.
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Strong water spray to dislodge. Insecticidal soap. Neem oil. Encourage natural predators like ladybugs.
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Floating row covers on seedlings. Neem oil or spinosad. Diatomaceous earth around base of plants.
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Remove affected foliage. Improve air circulation. Avoid overhead watering. Apply fungicide if severe.
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Use row covers. Rotate crops yearly. Remove plant debris. Ensure good drainage.
Uses
Roasting and Pickling
CulinaryDouble Red beets roast beautifully, caramelizing into sweet, tender morsels. Their stunning concentric rings make them ideal for pickling whole or sliced for both flavor and visual appeal. [source]
Fresh Salads and Borscht
CulinaryThe tender roots and vibrant green tops are excellent raw in salads. Double Red is a classic ingredient in borscht and other Eastern European soups. [source]
Nutritional and Detoxification Support
MedicinalBeets contain betalains and nitrates which support healthy blood pressure and cardiovascular function. The folate and betaine support liver detoxification and methylation. [source]
Greens as Nutritious Cooking Greens
CulinaryDouble Red beet greens are tender and delicious when young, with a mild earthy flavor. They can be sautéed, steamed, or added to soups for a mineral-rich boost. [source]
Natural Food Dye
HouseholdThe deep red pigments make an excellent natural dye for fabrics and a food coloring for desserts, smoothies, and other culinary applications. [source]
This is not medical advice. LizPlants is not a medical resource. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional before using plants medicinally.
Harvest Tips
Harvest when roots are 2-3 inches in diameter (8-10 weeks from planting). Gently pull plants or use a garden fork to avoid bruising roots. For tender greens, harvest outer leaves while immature. Twist off foliage 1-2 inches above the root to prevent bleeding during storage. Double Red stores well in cool (32-40°F), humid conditions for up to 3 months; remove all greens first.
Fun Facts
- 🌱 Double Red is an heirloom variety believed to have originated in Eastern Europe, where its beautiful rings have been treasured for centuries in traditional recipes and folk medicine.
- 🌱 The concentric rings develop as the beet grows in alternating light and dark layers—faster growth produces wider rings, while slower growth creates tighter patterns.
- 🌱 Beet greens are nutritionally superior to the roots in some aspects, containing more calcium, iron, and vitamin K, making them a valuable crop within a crop.
Gardening Terms
New to gardening? Learn about terms used in this guide:
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