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 10°C and 30°C. (Show °F/in)
  • Space plants: 15 - 30 cm 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

03 Jan 21, Max Crichton (Australia - temperate climate)
As far as Aphids go I have a small thistle (don't know the name of it) with yellow flowers which if left to seed have a white fluffy seed nest. This plant attracts the Aphids which in turn leave my veggies alone. Every couple of days I will rub my hands along the stems and squash the little critters. I let this plant go to seed and the seeds come up where ever they want too. Also I have a home made Garlick spray which helps to deter quite a few bugs (however it will also deter bees). Try allowing some weeds grow around the plants, I have found that the pests get a little confused and go away. Keep control of the weeds and only have a thin layer. Do a little companion planting also helps. Other that this, I let the birds and lizards take care of the garden. Good luck.
29 Jul 20, Dale (Australia - sub-tropical climate)
I have silver-beet,kale,and white spinach growing ,but there are all these tiny white dot like insects on the leaves.I have been trying to identify them with pics on the the net,but get a little confused.Could they be thrip or aphids? I did have them all over my pak choy and sadly I pulled them all out and gave to the goats.I also made a soap and water spray,which seemed to help.But really I don't want them at all. Any ideas or companion planting ideas would help thanks.
17 Oct 20, S (Australia - temperate climate)
Sounds like green caterpillar eggs
24 Mar 20, Tim McKelvey (USA - Zone 8b climate)
When speak of "compatibility to grow beside", how close or far is that? How far apart do compatibles and antagonists have to be that we don't need to worry about compatability factor?
26 Mar 20, Liz (New Zealand - temperate climate)
To avoid problems, it is best to plant varieties listed as not compatible in separate beds or pots etc.
21 Feb 20, Mimi (New Zealand - temperate climate)
Hi Awesome website. I am very new to planting veges, I wanted to make sure I was understanding the info above. I was wondering how to interpret the chart above. P is for sow - so that is placing the seeds in the soil right?. Harvest is 7 to 10 weeks from sowing right? What about the blank months?
24 Feb 20, Anon (New Zealand - sub-tropical climate)
Have a look at different crops. Some have S and T. S is when the weather is too hot or cold you can plant under cover, out of the sun or away from cold or frosts. T is for when you transplant these seedling into the garden. Harvest means when you can pick it from sowing the seeds.
23 Feb 20, Liz at Gardenate (New Zealand - temperate climate)
Yes, P is for sow direct into soil. The blank months are the ones not suitable for seed raising outside, either because it is too cold and wet or too hot and dry.
13 Feb 20, Pauline Chiarelli (Australia - temperate climate)
Can I replant spinach in the same place as my last crop?
18 May 20, Scott (Australia - temperate climate)
yes, just add a little compost to the area before planting.
Showing 31 - 40 of 222 comments

Absolutely agree: a rose is a rose with different needs. Admittedly, fruit trees are said to be compatible as is lavender but I'll be leaving that alone. Thnx.

- Jane

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This planting guide is a general reference intended for home gardeners. We recommend that you take into account your local conditions in making planting decisions. GardenGrow is not a farming or commercial advisory service. For specific advice, please contact your local plant suppliers, gardening groups, or agricultural department. The information on this site is presented in good faith, but we take no responsibility as to the accuracy of the information provided.
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