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
S                      
    T                  
  P P         P P      

(Best months for growing Silverbeet in USA - Zone 8b 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

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01 Jun 23, (New Zealand - temperate climate)
Grow the right time of the yearn. Good rich soil, water regularly and full sun.
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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.
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10 Mar 23, Alex (Australia - temperate climate)
What is the large curly leaf silver beet name
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16 Mar 23, Berylee Lay (Australia - temperate climate)
It's usually called Fordhook Giant on the punnet labels.
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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)
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02 Mar 23, chris fox (Australia - tropical climate)
do you need to soak seeds in water before planting ?
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03 Mar 23, (Australia - cool/mountain climate)
You don't have to. It just gives a bit of a head start.
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27 Oct 22, (Australia - sub-tropical climate)
I heard recently twist and tear for silverbeet. Be careful you don't pull the plant out.
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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.
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17 Oct 22, (Australia - sub-tropical climate)
Should be able to, just need to make sure you keep the water up.
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Showing 11 - 20 of 222 comments
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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.

- Sean

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This planting guide is a general reference intended for home gardeners. We recommend that you take into account your local conditions in making planting decisions. Gardenate is not a farming or commercial advisory service. For specific advice, please contact your local plant suppliers, gardening groups, or agricultural department. The information on this site is presented in good faith, but we take no responsibility as to the accuracy of the information provided.
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