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

27 Aug 14, Michael (Australia - temperate climate)
Try neem oil and dr bronners sal suds
14 Aug 14, Miss Ryan (Australia - temperate climate)
I have been growing silverbeet in my classroom for our school garden. They were in a small germination containers and were just recently repotted. Since repotting them they seem to be dying and I don't know what to do? Anyone have some suggestions on how to save them?
14 Aug 14, (Australia - arid climate)
try lots of water and a spray with a dilute liquid seaweed fertilizer
17 Jul 14, Tshego (South Africa - Summer rainfall climate)
What is swiss Chard water requirement in mm in South Africa
17 Mar 16, Bee-Pie (South Africa - Summer rainfall climate)
The same as spinach. Personally, I find them to be quite hardy.
02 Jun 14, Jacinta (Australia - temperate climate)
I have silverbeet or rainbow chard growing in mostly shade. It's been there for about 3-4 years and just keeps going and going!
19 Jan 14, ntapile (South Africa - Summer rainfall climate)
Can I use potting soil only or mix it with sand?
19 Jan 14, Chris (Australia - cool/mountain climate)
It should grow fine just in potting soil but might need some extra fertilizer like watering with liquid seaweed as potting soil can be quite low in nutrients.
18 Dec 13, Sinisa (Australia - temperate climate)
Is silver-beet flower edible?
03 Sep 13, Ben:] (Australia - temperate climate)
How do you successfully grow a big and healthy silverbeet , and if anybody has resipe for a fertiliser or something that will help this process please help:D
Showing 101 - 110 of 222 comments

Don't put fresh manure into soil where you are going to plant soon. It needs to breakdown first.

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