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

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.
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?
04 Dec 12, JANE HOWWARD (Australia - sub-tropical climate)
Is Silverbeet the same as collard greens?
20 Sep 15, (New Zealand - temperate climate)
Silverbeet is a bit different. Collards are a brassica
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
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.
05 Aug 17, e1ijah (New Zealand - sub-tropical climate)
Silverbeet is the same as Swiss Chard (American name for silverbeet)
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?
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.
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.
Showing 1 - 10 of 15 comments

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?

- Mimi

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