Product details

Heavily savoyed leaves with a superb dark green colour and contrasting ivory stems that make an excellent alternative to spinach. The flavoursome leaves are thick and tender, making an appealing steamed vegetable or a colourful addition to stir fries. Swiss Chard 'Fordhook Giant' is a well established variety ffrom the 1920’s and remains popular today. 

Swiss Chard 'Fordhook Giant' is a popular variety known for its large, crumpled leaves and broad white stems. Here are some detailed insights about these seeds:

Botanical Information

Botanical Name: Beta vulgaris subsp. cicla

Common Names: Swiss Chard, Fordhook Giant, Spinach Beet

Physical Characteristics

Height: Can grow up to 70 cm (28 inches) tall

Leaf Characteristics: Medium-dark green, crumpled leaves with white veins and broad white stems. The leaves are soft, tender, and easy to cook.

Growth and Development

Days to Germination: Seeds typically germinate within 5-10 days under optimal conditions

Days to Maturity: Ready for harvest in 50-60 days after transplanting. This relatively quick maturity allows for multiple harvests within a growing season

Growing Conditions

Sunlight: Prefers full sun to partial shade. Ensure the plants receive at least 6 hours of sunlight per day for optimal growth

Soil: Thrives in well-drained soil with a pH between 6.0 and 7.5. Adding organic matter or compost to the soil can improve fertility and structure

Watering: Requires moderate watering, about 2.5 cm (1 inch) per week. Keep the soil consistently moist but not waterlogged

Planting Instructions

Direct Sowing: Sow seeds directly in the garden after the last frost date. Ideal for outdoor planting in early spring or fall

Indoor Starting: For an early start, sow seeds indoors 4-6 weeks before the last frost. Transplant seedlings into the garden once they have at least two sets of true leaves

Seed Depth: Plant seeds 0.6 cm (1/4 inch) deep

Spacing: Space seeds 30-45 cm (12-18 inches) apart. Thin seedlings to 45-60 cm (18-24 inches) apart to give each plant ample room to grow

Care and Maintenance

Thinning: Thin seedlings when they reach about 5 cm (2 inches) tall to prevent overcrowding and ensure strong, healthy plants

Mulching: Apply mulch around the plants to retain soil moisture, suppress weeds, and regulate soil temperature

Fertilization: Swiss Chard benefits from regular feeding with a balanced fertilizer. Apply fertilizer at planting and again mid-season for best results

Pest Management: Watch out for common pests such as aphids, leaf miners, and flea beetles. Use organic pest control methods like neem oil or insecticidal soap if necessary

Harvesting

Leaf Harvesting: Begin harvesting leaves when they are young and tender. Regularly harvesting the outer leaves encourages new growth

Cut-and-Come-Again Method: Cut the stems just above the soil level to promote regrowth. This method allows for continuous harvests throughout the growing season

Uses and Benefits

Culinary Uses: The leaves of Swiss Chard 'Fordhook Giant' are versatile and can be used in salads, soups, stews, and as a cooked green. They are rich in vitamins A, C, and K, as well as minerals like calcium and iron

Nutritional Benefits: Swiss Chard is known for its high nutritional value, providing essential nutrients and antioxidants

Cold Hardiness: This variety is cold-hardy and drought-resistant, making it a reliable crop in various climates

Swiss Chard 'Fordhook Giant' is an excellent addition to your garden, offering both nutritional and culinary benefits

Specifications

Key Features

Grow seedlings first or direct plant 1cm deep, in-row spacing 30cm, between rows 50cm in full sun.

Germination: 7 – 12 days at 10°-25° C.

Care: Water medium & Fertilization medium.

Good Companions: Herbs, Onions, Beans, Carrots.

Bad Companions: Cabbages

What’s in the box

swiss chard fordhook giant spinach

Specifications

SKU: RO689IP2YJWG5NAFAMZ

Size (L x W x H cm): 1

Weight (kg): 0.1

Main Material: spinach seeds

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