Royal SWISS CHARD FORDHOOK GIANT SPINACH SEEDS

Heavily savoyed leaves with a superb dark green colour and contrasting ivory stems that make an excellent alternative to spinach. The flavoursome leaves are thick and tender, making an appealing steamed vegetable or a colourful addition to stir fries. Swiss Chard 'Fordhook Giant' is a well established variety ffrom the 1920’s and remains popular today. 

Swiss Chard 'Fordhook Giant' is a popular variety known for its large, crumpled leaves and broad white stems. Here are some detailed insights about these seeds:

Botanical Information

Botanical Name: Beta vulgaris subsp. cicla

Common Names: Swiss Chard, Fordhook Giant, Spinach Beet

Physical Characteristics

Height: Can grow up to 70 cm (28 inches) tall

Leaf Characteristics: Medium-dark green, crumpled leaves with white veins and broad white stems. The leaves are soft, tender, and easy to cook.

Growth and Development

Days to Germination: Seeds typically germinate within 5-10 days under optimal conditions

Days to Maturity: Ready for harvest in 50-60 days after transplanting. This relatively quick maturity allows for multiple harvests within a growing season

Growing Conditions

Sunlight: Prefers full sun to partial shade. Ensure the plants receive at least 6 hours of sunlight per day for optimal growth

Soil: Thrives in well-drained soil with a pH between 6.0 and 7.5. Adding organic matter or compost to the soil can improve fertility and structure

Watering: Requires moderate watering, about 2.5 cm (1 inch) per week. Keep the soil consistently moist but not waterlogged

Planting Instructions

Direct Sowing: Sow seeds directly in the garden after the last frost date. Ideal for outdoor planting in early spring or fall

Indoor Starting: For an early start, sow seeds indoors 4-6 weeks before the last frost. Transplant seedlings into the garden once they have at least two sets of true leaves

Seed Depth: Plant seeds 0.6 cm (1/4 inch) deep

Spacing: Space seeds 30-45 cm (12-18 inches) apart. Thin seedlings to 45-60 cm (18-24 inches) apart to give each plant ample room to grow

Care and Maintenance

Thinning: Thin seedlings when they reach about 5 cm (2 inches) tall to prevent overcrowding and ensure strong, healthy plants

Mulching: Apply mulch around the plants to retain soil moisture, suppress weeds, and regulate soil temperature

Fertilization: Swiss Chard benefits from regular feeding with a balanced fertilizer. Apply fertilizer at planting and again mid-season for best results

Pest Management: Watch out for common pests such as aphids, leaf miners, and flea beetles. Use organic pest control methods like neem oil or insecticidal soap if necessary

Harvesting

Leaf Harvesting: Begin harvesting leaves when they are young and tender. Regularly harvesting the outer leaves encourages new growth

Cut-and-Come-Again Method: Cut the stems just above the soil level to promote regrowth. This method allows for continuous harvests throughout the growing season

Uses and Benefits

Culinary Uses: The leaves of Swiss Chard 'Fordhook Giant' are versatile and can be used in salads, soups, stews, and as a cooked green. They are rich in vitamins A, C, and K, as well as minerals like calcium and iron

Nutritional Benefits: Swiss Chard is known for its high nutritional value, providing essential nutrients and antioxidants

Cold Hardiness: This variety is cold-hardy and drought-resistant, making it a reliable crop in various climates

Swiss Chard 'Fordhook Giant' is an excellent addition to your garden, offering both nutritional and culinary benefits