Silverbeet ‘Fordhook Giant’ (Beta vulgaris)

This is the standard silver beet (Swiss chard) with dark green, savoyed (crinkled) leaves, white veins and broad white stems. Sow from early spring until mid-summer for cropping most of the year. The later sowings will produce throughout winter.

When to sow: Early spring until mid-summer

Where to sow: In seed trays or in a prepared bed in the garden

Depth to sow: 5mm

Aspect: Full sun or as sunny a spot as possible.

Soil: Prepared, well drained, fertilised soil. Add lime if soil is too acid.

Spacing: Between plants: Thin to 30cm Between rows: 30-40cm

Directions: Plant seeds either in drills or in trays every two months or so from early spring until early autumn for a year round harvest.