Swiss Chard, Fordhook Giant Swiss Chard Seeds – Organic, Heirloom

Variety Info.:

Botanical Name: Beta vulgaris subsp. vulgaris

Days to Maturity: 50–60 days

Family: Amaranthaceae

Native: Mediterranean region, Europe

Hardiness: Biennial; fairly cold tolerant. Will overwinter in mild climates and withstand light to moderate freezes.

Plant Dimensions: Up to 24″ tall

Variety Information: Large, glossy, dark green, deeply crumpled leaves with broad white petioles (leafstalks).

Sowing Info.:

When to Sow Outside: RECOMMENDED. 2 to 4 weeks before your average last frost date, and when soil temperature is at least 40°F, ideally 75°–90°F. Sow as late as 2 months before first fall frost. Mild Climates: Sow in fall.

When to Start Inside: 4 to 6 weeks before transplanting out, 2 to 4 weeks before your average last frost date (protect from heavy freezes).

Days to Emerge: 5–10 days

Seed Depth: ½”

Seed Spacing: A group of 2–3 seeds every 6″–8″

Row Spacing: 18″

Thinning: When ½” tall, thin to 1 every 8″

Growing Info.:

Harvesting: Pick up to 1/3 of the outer leaves as needed, and let more leaves grow from the center of the plant; or, if desired, harvest the whole plant 2″ above ground, and it will grow back. Pick very young leaves, at 2″-4″ for using fresh in salads.