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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02 Jan 08, jim kitis (Unknown climate)
the best variety of silverbeet is the fordhook giant as it takes a very long time to go to seed. i planted 200 in my marktet garden and i used eco vital folair spray on them and was harvesting from them for over 2 years before i moved and the new oeners still have some left a year after i shifted.
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02 Sep 07, Chris Hutchinson (Unknown climate)
If you are looking for mangold aka silverbeet, then you can find the seed at most nurseries and supermarkets. If you want the european mangold or sugarbeet then you could try an agricultural supplier.
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28 Aug 07, Peter HYde (Unknown climate)
Does anybody know where you can get seeds for these Mangolds
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Trevor, I've heard if you put some crumpled newspaper in a plantpot and put this upside down on a stick next to plants, then the earwigs will gather in this hideout during the day. The trick is to come along in the morning, gently remove the pot and tap it sharply into a bucket which dislodges the earwigs into the bucket. Pete Cundell suggests doing this into a bucket with kerosine&water in it, which kills the earwigs. Have to admit I've never tried this as I don't have a problem with earwigs. Good luck!

- Barbara in Lane Cove

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