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.

Your comments and tips

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14 Feb 09, Sandy (Australia - sub-tropical climate)
Hi, I've tried planting silverbeet / chard from two different seed packets and only one plant has come up each time. Previously I have found it really easy to grow so I'm feeling a bit baffled. Any advice greatly appreciated. Best Wishes, Sandy
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10 Feb 09, Hels (Australia - temperate climate)
Hi, i have planted Silverbeet about 2months ago and they have a disease that is causing the underside of the leaf to go a silvery/brown colour and then drying out and cracking like a potato chip. I have never seen this happen and dont know how to fix it. Does any one have any suggestions? WOuld be much appreciated.
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19 Jan 09, Peter (Australia - temperate climate)
When you rinse the leaves, put a tiny dash of your good olive oil in the water. Swish around and squeeze it before steaming. Delish.
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25 Dec 08, Simon (Australia - cool/mountain climate)
Itmay be worth reading up on biodynamics and what they have to say about extra dark green. An even mid green is probably a better sign of health. Besides practicing biodynamics, I use seaweed, some home made compost prior to planting out the seedlings sometimes a little rock phosphate and once or twice throughout the growing season some a little diluted liquid compost. For me it seems to go a more pronounced light green when it is running out of food.
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23 Dec 08, Rob (Australia - temperate climate)
the leaves on my silverbeet are light coloured, what can i do to make them dark green?
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29 Aug 10, jaime (Australia - sub-tropical climate)
depends really. is the whole leaf yellow, is it the young or old leaves, are they going dry and brown, or limp and slimey. though its probably a nitrogen deficiency, try seeweed or fish emulsion
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01 Dec 08, Sam (Australia - temperate climate)
My silverbeet is being badly eaten by small black beetles. I thought it was ewigs but the beetles are very evident
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12 Jun 12, sam (Australia - arid climate)
rust i think
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22 Nov 08, Trevor (Australia - temperate climate)
I like to clip away any leaves flat on the ground - coz slugs and earwigs live under flat wilted leaves. Your suggestions about using garlic spray, vinegar and even cayenne spray have been useful/worthwhile folks!
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29 Oct 08, Trevor (Australia - temperate climate)
I cook Puys Lentils in veggie stock, add tomatoes and some spicy seeds, tons of garlic, serve with olive oil and lemon juice, add finely sliced raw silverbeet/spinach. You don't always need to cook fresh greens.
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Showing 191 - 200 of 222 comments
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Emily, my silverbeet has been eaten too and I am having an earwig problem lately! I wonder if they could be the culprits...? The leaves are still mostly intact and quite edible. It's funny though, my lettuces are completely unscathed... so far.,..

- Jaci

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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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