Beta vulgaris 'Detroit 2 Crimson Globe'

Beetroot, Beta vulgaris, is easy to grow and makes the perfect crop for 'beginner' gardeners. Roots are usually cylindrical or globe-shaped, and range in colour from darkest purple-red to pink, yellow and even white. Harvest them when they are young – no bigger than a golf ball – and eat them pickled, roasted, or grated and used in salads. Don't forget the leaves, which can also be harvested – use young greens in salads and older ones blanched like spinach.

Beta vulgaris 'Detroit 2 Crimson Globe' is an improved version of the 'Detroit' globe beetroot. It bears smooth skinned, globe-shaped roots with a firm skin and dark red flesh. With a high sugar content, 'Detroit 2 Crimson Globe' is perfect for baking, pickling or grating raw in salads. The red-veined leaves make an excellent addition to summer salads. 'Detroit 2 Crimson Globe' shows good resistance to downy mildew and can be grown in a variety of soils, and does well in pots.