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How to Grow SWISS CHARD FORDHOOK
Swiss Chard Growing Guide
Master the art of growing the stunning Fordhook Giant Swiss Chard – from seed to harvest
Overview
Let me introduce you to one of the garden's most striking vegetables – Swiss chard! This stunning leafy green catches everyone's eye with its rainbow of stem colors, from brilliant reds and yellows to vibrant oranges, all topped with lush green or purple leaves.
Botanical Name
Beta vulgaris subsp. vulgaris
Growth Cycle
Annual Biennial
Maturity
50–60 days
Yield
1–4 lbs per plant
Cultivation
Propagation
Seed Depth
1/2–3/4″
Space Between Plants
Plant at 4″, thin to 10–20″
Germination Time
5–10 days
Growing Conditions
Light
Full Sun, with partial afternoon shade in hot weather
Soil Type
Loamy soil with high organic matter content
Water Needs
1 to 1.5″ per week
Troubleshooting
Common Pests
- Aphids
- Caterpillars
- Flea beetles
- Leaf miners
- Slugs
- Snails
Common Diseases
- Downy mildew
- Leaf spot
- Root rot
Harvest and Storage
Harvesting Tips
Once plants reach 6 inches tall, you can start harvesting, but here's the trick: always leave about two-thirds of the baby leaves to keep the plant healthy. Cut mature leaves close to the main stem, and while you can harvest leaves up to 24 inches with Fordhook Giant, the sweetest, most tender leaves are those under 12 inches.
Storage Guidelines
Keep those fresh leaves crisp in your fridge for up to a week. Pro tip: wait to wash them until you're ready to use them – they'll stay fresher longer!