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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15 May 17, Jack (Australia - temperate climate)
I suggest you increase organic matter in the soil by growing green manure crops or old manure and digging it in. Adding washed sand will also help. Not many plants like to sit in soggy soil so anything you can do to open the soil up and help it drain will help.You could also add a good dressing of garden lime as wet soils are often acidic. Now is a good time to do that. Only use garden lime and give the beds a good covering. We'll look forward to hearing how you go in the coming spring.
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04 Dec 12, JANE HOWWARD (Australia - sub-tropical climate)
Is Silverbeet the same as collard greens?
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20 Sep 15, (New Zealand - temperate climate)
Silverbeet is a bit different. Collards are a brassica
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07 Nov 11, Nathanael (New Zealand - temperate climate)
Why can you not grow silver beet next to corn? is it just because of the shade of the corn?
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13 Jun 10, Liz (New Zealand - temperate climate)
Andrea, you could try handling like beetroot seeds. i.e. soak some overnight. They will swell a bit and be easier to separate.
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Showing 11 - 15 of 15 comments
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As far as Aphids go I have a small thistle (don't know the name of it) with yellow flowers which if left to seed have a white fluffy seed nest. This plant attracts the Aphids which in turn leave my veggies alone. Every couple of days I will rub my hands along the stems and squash the little critters. I let this plant go to seed and the seeds come up where ever they want too. Also I have a home made Garlick spray which helps to deter quite a few bugs (however it will also deter bees). Try allowing some weeds grow around the plants, I have found that the pests get a little confused and go away. Keep control of the weeds and only have a thin layer. Do a little companion planting also helps. Other that this, I let the birds and lizards take care of the garden. Good luck.

- Max Crichton

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