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

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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
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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
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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?
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17 Jun 13, sarah (Australia - temperate climate)
What soil is preferable for SilverBeet to grown in? Clay, Sandy, Loam? ect.. :)
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01 Jul 13, fred (Australia - temperate climate)
your best soil is sandy loam water often
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11 Jun 13, Ally Millington (Australia - temperate climate)
Can Silverbeet grow successfully in pots?
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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.
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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
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31 May 13, Chris (Australia - cool/mountain climate)
Swiss Chard _is_ Silverbeet - exactly the same plant.
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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..
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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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