An improved Detroit with rich maroon colouring. These globe-shaped beet are ideal for successional sowing.

Sow from spring to early summer very thinly in drills 3cm (1in) deep in rows 30cm (12in) apart.

When the seedlings are large enough to handle thin them out gradually to 10cm (4in) apart. The later thinnings will be large enough to use in a salad. Pull the beetroot when the roots are 1½in in diameter or larger.

The smaller the root the better the quality. In mid autumn lift the remaining roots twist off the tops and use or store in a clamp as you would potatoes.