Growing Silverbeet, also Swiss Chard or Mangold

Beta vulgaris var. cicla : Amaranthaceae / the amaranth family

Jan F M A M J J A S O N Dec
T T T           T T T T
P P P           P P P P

(Best months for growing Silverbeet in New Zealand - cool/mountain regions)

  • T = Plant out (transplant) seedlings
  • P = Sow seed
  • Easy to grow. Sow in garden. Sow seed at a depth approximately three times the diameter of the seed. Best planted at soil temperatures between 50°F and 86°F. (Show °C/cm)
  • Space plants: 6 - 12 inches apart
  • Harvest in 7-12 weeks.
  • Compatible with (can grow beside): Beans, brassica sp. (cabbage, cauliflower, etc), tomato, allium sp. (onion, garlic, chives), lavender, parsnip
  • Avoid growing close to: Corn, melon, cucurbit (cucumbers, squash, melons, gourds), most herbs, potato.

Your comments and tips

08 Jan 17, Liz (Australia - temperate climate)
You can let the silverbeet go to seed. The seeds will drop on the ground and you will get self seeded silverbeet. Self seeded silverbeet tastes great.
04 Nov 16, cheryl (Australia - temperate climate)
i have had this silverbeet for over 12 months and it has been really healthy but it has started to flower and i don't know what to do. should i cut it right back or just cut the flowering part out? thanks in advance for your help.
10 Nov 16, Steve (Australia - temperate climate)
As the weather warms up this causes the plant to go to seed. Plant a new crop and if you have the space leave your old crop in and continue picking until your new crop is ready. Steve
22 Apr 16, Les (Australia - temperate climate)
I planted silverbeat 6 weeks ago in potting mix. Just doesn't seem to be growing at all. Its in a vege bin and part sun /shade.
27 Apr 16, Daniel (Australia - temperate climate)
Potting mix may not have enough nitrogen and water holding capacity for silverbeet. Cow manure and compost may be better. A side application of manure may encourage some growth.
09 Apr 16, Vera (Australia - temperate climate)
Hello. I have a question, i have a silverbeet plant in my garden , i have had this plant growing for over one year, The stem is as thick as my wrist, and its still producing the leaves , should i still eat the silverbeet or pull it out , Regards Vera fisher
12 Apr 16, Cassie (Australia - cool/mountain climate)
Vera, they are supposed to be biennial (ie flower in the second year) but i just keep pulling off leaves and eating them. I've had them grow to 2m, branched and ugly but as long as the leaves arent bitter I still use it.
13 Apr 16, Vera (Australia - temperate climate)
Thank you Cassie I will steam some up and taste to see if bitter, if so then i will start from scratch with new seedlings . Vera
08 Dec 15, bill (Australia - temperate climate)
I grow all my vegetables in 200liter drums which I have cut into 3sections . I use lucerne chaff and cow manure which I mix to togeather . I find silverbeet growes very well in the rich mixture along wih all my other vegetabls .
23 Oct 15, Ruth Tomlin (Australia - temperate climate)
I grow silverbeet in a polystyrene box, and it only grows a few inches high, but I pull off the outer leaves for salad or to cook. I have 12 plants growing in the box. I give it seasol each week and it is growing very well! I also grow lettuces, kale, cabbages an broad beans in polystyrene boxes! No dig gardening!
Showing 81 - 90 of 222 comments

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