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 S S       S S S S S S
T T T T       T T T T T
P P P           P P P P

(Best months for growing Silverbeet in Australia - temperate 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 10°C and 30°C. (Show °F/in)
  • Space plants: 15 - 30 cm 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

Post a comment or question Display Newest first | Oldest first, Show comments for Australia | for all countries
04 Apr 17, Mike (Australia - temperate climate)
How common manures measure up. Manure N-P-K Chicken 1.1 .80 .50 Diary cow .25 .15 .25 Horse 2.4 1.4 .60 Steer .70 .30 .60 Rabbit .70 .30 .40 Sheep .70.30 .90 Sources: Rodale's All-New Encyclopedia of Organic Gardening, An Illustrated Guide to Organic Gardening, by Sunset Publishing, and the Rodale Guide to Composting. Note: Nutrient values of manures vary greatly, depending on the diet and age of the animals, and the nature and quantiy of bedding in the mix. Manures are a soil conditioner really. I mulch my plants left overs and grass clippings and add fert 15 10 13 and some lime.
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08 Jan 17, Liz (Australia - temperate climate)
You can let the silverbeet go to seed. The seeds will drop on the ground and you will get self seeded silverbeet. Self seeded silverbeet tastes great.
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04 Nov 16, cheryl (Australia - temperate climate)
i have had this silverbeet for over 12 months and it has been really healthy but it has started to flower and i don't know what to do. should i cut it right back or just cut the flowering part out? thanks in advance for your help.
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10 Nov 16, Steve (Australia - temperate climate)
As the weather warms up this causes the plant to go to seed. Plant a new crop and if you have the space leave your old crop in and continue picking until your new crop is ready. Steve
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22 Apr 16, Les (Australia - temperate climate)
I planted silverbeat 6 weeks ago in potting mix. Just doesn't seem to be growing at all. Its in a vege bin and part sun /shade.
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27 Apr 16, Daniel (Australia - temperate climate)
Potting mix may not have enough nitrogen and water holding capacity for silverbeet. Cow manure and compost may be better. A side application of manure may encourage some growth.
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09 Apr 16, Vera (Australia - temperate climate)
Hello. I have a question, i have a silverbeet plant in my garden , i have had this plant growing for over one year, The stem is as thick as my wrist, and its still producing the leaves , should i still eat the silverbeet or pull it out , Regards Vera fisher
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12 Apr 16, Cassie (Australia - cool/mountain climate)
Vera, they are supposed to be biennial (ie flower in the second year) but i just keep pulling off leaves and eating them. I've had them grow to 2m, branched and ugly but as long as the leaves arent bitter I still use it.
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13 Apr 16, Vera (Australia - temperate climate)
Thank you Cassie I will steam some up and taste to see if bitter, if so then i will start from scratch with new seedlings . Vera
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08 Dec 15, bill (Australia - temperate climate)
I grow all my vegetables in 200liter drums which I have cut into 3sections . I use lucerne chaff and cow manure which I mix to togeather . I find silverbeet growes very well in the rich mixture along wih all my other vegetabls .
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Showing 81 - 90 of 223 comments
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As far as Aphids go I have a small thistle (don't know the name of it) with yellow flowers which if left to seed have a white fluffy seed nest. This plant attracts the Aphids which in turn leave my veggies alone. Every couple of days I will rub my hands along the stems and squash the little critters. I let this plant go to seed and the seeds come up where ever they want too. Also I have a home made Garlick spray which helps to deter quite a few bugs (however it will also deter bees). Try allowing some weeds grow around the plants, I have found that the pests get a little confused and go away. Keep control of the weeds and only have a thin layer. Do a little companion planting also helps. Other that this, I let the birds and lizards take care of the garden. Good luck.

- Max Crichton

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