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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13 Jul 18, Barbara Conje (Australia - tropical climate)
Will silverbeet grow in the tropics (Darwin)? If so, what time of year? Thank you.
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16 Jul 18, (Australia - tropical climate)
Plant April to June - in future select your climate zone and then the vegetable and then read up about it.
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17 Jun 18, Diane (New Zealand - cool/mountain climate)
Silverbeet grows just fine in Taumarunui without being in a glasshouse- just keep the possoms off it. Mangolds are NOT silver beet but a large turnip used as stock feed
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20 Jun 18, Mike L (Australia - sub-tropical climate)
From Gardening website.--
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21 Jun 18, Mike L (Australia - sub-tropical climate)
The article says it is really a beet.
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31 May 18, Margaret Dawson (New Zealand - cool/mountain climate)
I have little silverbeet plants in little pots in my glasshouse. It's now June, is it okay to plant them outside. I live in Taumarunui in the King Country. My glasshouse is quite small and I don't really have enough room for them to grow big in there. Thanks. Hope to hear from you soon Margaret
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07 Jun 18, Mike L (Australia - sub-tropical climate)
Sounds like you have no option but to try it. Or a far bigger green house.
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06 Jun 18, Mike L (Australia - sub-tropical climate)
You can only give it a go.
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27 Nov 17, Don (Australia - temperate climate)
I have young silver beet in a raised outdoor bed, leaves are approx the size of the top of a cup and they are all going to seed. What is the best way to handle?
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29 Nov 17, Tanya (Australia - temperate climate)
I don't think there is anything you can do to stop them going to seed. These thou I find just usually self sow (so just let them go) and more will come up. (I have silverbeet all year round in that bed and I don't replant them)
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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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