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                

(Best months for growing Silverbeet in USA - Zone 5a 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.
  • 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

24 Mar 20, Tim McKelvey (USA - Zone 8b climate)
When speak of "compatibility to grow beside", how close or far is that? How far apart do compatibles and antagonists have to be that we don't need to worry about compatability factor?
26 Mar 20, Liz (New Zealand - temperate climate)
To avoid problems, it is best to plant varieties listed as not compatible in separate beds or pots etc.
30 May 13, Sharon (USA - Zone 8a climate)
My mum is from New Zealand and loved silverbeet. Does Swiss Chard or Mangold really taste the same as silverbeet?. Where can I order the seeds for the silverbeet? Thanks
31 May 13, Chris (Australia - cool/mountain climate)
Swiss Chard _is_ Silverbeet - exactly the same plant.

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

- Heather

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