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.
  • Multi-coloured variety
  • Silverbeet

Edible dark green glossy leaves with wide white or cream stalks produced over a long period. Some varieties have red, yellow or orange stalks. They are all edible. Both leaves and stalks are eaten. This is a cut and come again plant, providing leaves for some months before going to flower. Can re-sprout from around the base if cut off when it starts to flower.

Reasonably frost and heat tolerant. Grows well in most soils. For prolific growth apply compost, or well-rotted manure. Resistant to most plant diseases. The multi-coloured ones look good in a flower border.

Culinary hints - cooking and eating Silverbeet

Wash thoroughly and inspect the back of the leaves for insects.
Chop and put in a saucepan with very little water (or just what is on the leaves).
Cover and cook over a low to medium heat until the leaves collapse.
A small amount of nutmeg enhances the flavour.

Your comments and tips

07 Dec 23, Judy (New Zealand - temperate climate)
Something is eating my silverbeet non toxic spray needed thank you
14 Dec 23, (New Zealand - sub-tropical climate)
Google for organic sprays.
30 May 23, Trish (New Zealand - temperate climate)
Hi, I have no issue growing spinach, but I haven't been able to grow silverbeet for a long time now. Any ideas please? Also, can I dig my fresh lambs pellets from the farm into my garden?
01 Jun 23, (New Zealand - temperate climate)
Grow the right time of the yearn. Good rich soil, water regularly and full sun.
01 Jun 23, (New Zealand - sub-tropical climate)
Don't put fresh manure into soil where you are going to plant soon. It needs to breakdown first.
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.
05 Aug 17, e1ijah (New Zealand - sub-tropical climate)
Silverbeet is the same as Swiss Chard (American name for silverbeet)
15 May 17, Heather (New Zealand - temperate climate)
I live in the centre of north island and have shifted to a sloping veg garden. All sorts of beans grow but not much else. Silverbeet does no thrive cucumbers tomatoes all a bit sad. We have planted some mustard seeds whic are thriving, with the idea of digging in. My section is very wet during winter. Hope you can help as I love a veg garden
Showing 1 - 10 of 15 comments

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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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