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 10°C and 30°C. (Show °F/in)
  • Space plants: 15 - 30 cm 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

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.
10 Mar 23, Alex (Australia - temperate climate)
What is the large curly leaf silver beet name
16 Mar 23, Berylee Lay (Australia - temperate climate)
It's usually called Fordhook Giant on the punnet labels.
10 Mar 23, Birgitt (Australia - temperate climate)
If you're after the Latin name, my label says Beta vulgaris var. cicla : Amaranthaceae / the amaranth family (It's on the silverbeet page of Gardenate - Editor)
02 Mar 23, chris fox (Australia - tropical climate)
do you need to soak seeds in water before planting ?
03 Mar 23, (Australia - cool/mountain climate)
You don't have to. It just gives a bit of a head start.
27 Oct 22, (Australia - sub-tropical climate)
I heard recently twist and tear for silverbeet. Be careful you don't pull the plant out.
16 Oct 22, Sean (Australia - temperate climate)
Please let me know folks, can I grow silverbeet in medium to large pots on my balcony. They will get plenty of northern and western sun.
17 Oct 22, (Australia - sub-tropical climate)
Should be able to, just need to make sure you keep the water up.
Showing 11 - 20 of 222 comments

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