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

Post a comment or question Display Newest first | Oldest first, Show comments for New Zealand | for all countries
09 Sep 13, JIM (Australia - sub-tropical climate)
I HAVE PUT A PILE OF SHEEP MANURE NEXT TO MY SILVERBEET FOR STORAGE&IT HAS MADE THE BEET GROW HUGE& IT IS THE DARKEST GREEN I NAVE EVER SEEN
Reply or Post a new comment
08 Sep 13, Keith (Australia - temperate climate)
Silverbeet normally grows good by its self use some seasol keep moist but not wet I have some in the garden from months ago they got very burnt with the hot weather so I gave up on them and know they have grown back and even better Good luck
Reply or Post a new comment
31 Jul 13, Adeo (Australia - sub-tropical climate)
I love growing Silver Beet, but sometimes individual plants leaves go darker and then crunchy? The soil here is heavy red clay. Any ideas?
Reply or Post a new comment
17 Jun 13, sarah (Australia - temperate climate)
What soil is preferable for SilverBeet to grown in? Clay, Sandy, Loam? ect.. :)
Reply or Post a new comment
01 Jul 13, fred (Australia - temperate climate)
your best soil is sandy loam water often
Reply or Post a new comment
11 Jun 13, Ally Millington (Australia - temperate climate)
Can Silverbeet grow successfully in pots?
Reply or Post a new comment
10 Feb 14, Simon (Australia - temperate climate)
We plant it in pots and have had success so far. Ours are the small ones that keep giving us leaves. Not the large mature plants you can buy.
Reply or Post a new comment
30 May 13, Sharon (USA - Zone 8a climate)
My mum is from New Zealand and loved silverbeet. Does Swiss Chard or Mangold really taste the same as silverbeet?. Where can I order the seeds for the silverbeet? Thanks
Reply or Post a new comment
31 May 13, Chris (Australia - cool/mountain climate)
Swiss Chard _is_ Silverbeet - exactly the same plant.
Reply or Post a new comment
24 Mar 13, Mehmet Kolgu (Australia - sub-tropical climate)
Never understand the words " Avoid growing with potatoes" means how far I can plant my potatoes from the silverbeet / Please advise me..
Reply or Post a new comment
Showing 111 - 120 of 222 comments
See comments for all plants

From Gardening website.--

- Mike L

Please provide your email address if you are hoping for a reply


All comments are reviewed before displaying on the site, so your posting will not appear immediately

Gardenate App

Put GardenGrow in your pocket. Get our app for iPhone, iPad or Android to add your own plants and record your plantings and harvests

Planting Reminders

Join 60,000+ gardeners who already use GardenGrow and subscribe to the free GardenGrow planting reminders email newsletter.


Home | Vegetables and herbs to plant | Climate zones | About GardenGrow | Contact us | Privacy Policy

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.
We cannot help if you are overrun by giant slugs.