Silverbeet (Swiss Chard) – Fordhook Giant

Silverbeet (Swiss Chard) – Fordhook Giant (Beta vulgaris)

Fordhook Giant is a time-tested variety of Silverbeet (Swiss Chard), producing lush, dark green savoyed leaves on thick, pale green to white stems. Known for its excellent cold tolerance and ability to withstand summer heat, it’s a vigorous, high-yielding variety suitable for year-round growing in most climates.

The name Fordhook pays tribute to Fordhook Farm, once a research facility for the Burpee Seed Company, while Giant refers to the plant’s impressive height of 60–70cm, with broad stalks up to 7cm wide.

Highly versatile in the kitchen and attractive in the garden, Fordhook Giant also makes an excellent feed option for poultry. Its continued performance through multiple harvests makes it a favourite among home gardeners and commercial growers alike.

Growing Instructions:

• When to Sow:
• Temperate & Cool Zones: Sow in early spring to late autumn.
• Subtropical & Tropical Zones: Can be grown year-round.
• Sowing Depth: 10–15mm
• Spacing: 30–40cm between plants; 40–50cm between rows
• Soil Temp for Germination: 10–30°C
• Germination Time: 7–14 days
• Position: Full sun to part shade
• Watering: Keep soil consistently moist but not waterlogged
• Harvesting:
  Begin harvesting outer leaves when the plant reaches around 30cm tall. Continuous picking will encourage fresh growth and extend the harvest period over several months.
• Tips:
  For an ongoing supply, sow successive crops every 4–6 weeks. Mulch around the base to retain soil moisture and suppress weeds.

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