Growing Silverbeet, also Swiss Chard or Mangold

Beta vulgaris var. cicla : Amaranthaceae / the amaranth family

Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec
S	S	S	S	S	S	S	S	S	S	S	S
T	T	T	T	T	T	T	T	T	T	T	T
P	P	P	P	P			P	P	P	P	P

(Best months for growing Silverbeet in Australia - sub-tropical regions)

S = Plant undercover in seed trays
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

01 Jun 23, (New Zealand - temperate climate): Grow the right time of the yearn. Good rich soil, water regularly and full sun.
Reply or Post a new comment
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.
Reply or Post a new comment
10 Mar 23, Alex (Australia - temperate climate): What is the large curly leaf silver beet name
Reply or Post a new comment
16 Mar 23, Berylee Lay (Australia - temperate climate): It's usually called Fordhook Giant on the punnet labels.
Reply or Post a new comment
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)
Reply or Post a new comment
02 Mar 23, chris fox (Australia - tropical climate): do you need to soak seeds in water before planting ?
Reply or Post a new comment
03 Mar 23, (Australia - cool/mountain climate): You don't have to. It just gives a bit of a head start.
Reply or Post a new comment
27 Oct 22, (Australia - sub-tropical climate): I heard recently twist and tear for silverbeet. Be careful you don't pull the plant out.
Reply or Post a new comment
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.
Reply or Post a new comment
17 Oct 22, (Australia - sub-tropical climate): Should be able to, just need to make sure you keep the water up.
Reply or Post a new comment

Showing 11 - 20 of 222 comments

See comments for all plants

Replying to:

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

Your name

Where are you?

Email address

Please provide your email address if you are hoping for a reply

Your reply

All comments are reviewed before displaying on the site, so your posting will not appear immediately

Gardenate

Keep your garden growing - see what to plant right now

Growing Silverbeet, also Swiss Chard or Mangold

Beta vulgaris var. cicla : Amaranthaceae / the amaranth family

Your comments and tips

Become A Supporter!

Planting Reminders