February 2026: Golden Detroit Beets

This month’s seed kit features Golden Detroit Beets. 

Golden Detroit Beet

Orange-yellow Golden Detroit Beets are a sweet treat! Milder tasting than the standard red beet, they become even sweeter when subjected to frost. The leaves are also edible and can be used fresh or cooked!

Planting Instructions

Culture: Beets grow best in cool, sunny weather. Select an outdoor location that receives full sun or partial shade and sow 3-4 seeds ½ inch deep and 1-2 inches apart in loose, well-drained soil with an ideal pH of 6.0-7.0. Seeds will germinate in 5-14 days. To encourage germination, you may soak your beet seeds in room-temperature water for 24 hours before planting. When seedlings reach approximately 3 inches in height, thin them to 3-4 inches apart for optimal root growth. For a continuous supply of beets, sow seeds every 2-3 weeks. 

Water: Beets need well-irrigated soil to prevent diseases. Water the soil regularly for tender roots. Keep soil moist but not saturated to prevent root disease.

Harvest: To harvest, gently pull the beets from the soil by the base of the stem. The beet greens are edible and can be used similarly to spinach. 

More About Golden Detroit Beets

Beets originated in the Mediterranean region, where their leaves were valued by the ancient Egyptians, Greeks, and Romans for medicinal properties as well as a food source. Eating of the beetroot itself did not become popular until the 16th century.

While beets are commonly red, they also come in shades of white, yellow, and even striped varieties. The Detroit Golden, an improved version of the ancient ‘Golden Beet,’ has been grown in the U.S. since at least the early 19th century.

Nutritionally, beets are high in vitamin C and B6 as well as iron, magnesium, dietary fiber, and other nutrients. They are also a natural source of tryptophan and betaine, substances that tend to promote a sense of well-being. So, eat up and be happy!

A local connection: Sugar beets were once a major crop in the East Bay! A factory that converted sugar beets into the type of sugar we buy at the grocery store operated in the Alvarado Niles area from 1870 to 1967. A historical marker for the factory is located at 30849 Dyer Street in Union City.

Beet and Potato Hashbrowns

 Serves: 4    Prep time: 15 minutes   Cook Time: 10-12 minutes 

Ingredients:

• 1 medium golden beet, peeled
• 2 medium Russet or Yukon Gold potato, peeled
• 1 small onion or 2–3 shallots, minced
• 1 tsp. of kosher salt 
• ½ tsp. of ground black pepper 
• ½ tsp. of paprika 
• ¼ tsp. of garlic powder 
• 2 tbsp. of all-purpose flour 
• 1 egg, beaten
• 2 tbsp. of olive oil or butter 

Optional toppings: Sour cream, crème fraiche, or applesauce

Instructions:  

1. Coarsely grate the golden beets and potatoes using a box grater or food processor.
2. Wrap grated vegetables in a clean kitchen towel or cheesecloth and squeeze firmly (over a sink or bowl) until very dry. Transfer to a clean bowl.
3. Add onions or shallots, salt, black pepper, paprika, garlic powder, flour, and beaten egg. Toss to evenly combine. Scoop ¼ C of the mixture and flatten into a patty,
4. Heat olive oil or butter in a skillet over medium-high heat. Cook patties 3-5 minutes without moving until golden and crisp. Flip the patty and cook another 3-4 minutes. Drain briefly on paper towels.
5. Serve hot with optional toppings.

Craft: Beet Dye Valentine’s Card

You’ll Need:

• 3 or more beets
• 4-6 cups of water 
• 1 cup of white wine vinegar 
• A knife or grater 
• A saucepan 
• A spoon 
• A bowl 
• Cheesecloth (or coffee filter) 
• Paper or other material to dye, 
• Scissors
• Glue 

 Instructions:

1. Finely matchstick or grate beets.
2. In a saucepan, bring water to a boil. 
3. Add processed beets and vinegar.
4. Bring to a simmer, and simmer for approximately one hour.
5. Remove the saucepan from the heat, pour the contents into a bowl lined with a cheesecloth.
6. Strain beet pieces from the dye.
7. Cut out a heart from white paper, then put it in beet dye for a few minutes. Lay heart out to dry.
8. Once dry, glue to a card made from folded paper.