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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13 May 17, Jack (Australia - temperate climate)
You didn't say whether the soil was big rocks or gravel but if you provide the nutrients and water you will be able to. An example is hydroponics where the growing medium is often scoria or some other inert material.Build the ground up with as much organic matter as you can, add mulch to help hold water and go for it!
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26 Mar 17, may (Australia - temperate climate)
my silverbeet has been thriving but now new leaves are coming up small and very dark leaves (NOT SPOTTED)
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21 Feb 17, Sarah Lilac (Australia - temperate climate)
I am trying to grow silver beet but i am having trouble find a suitable fertilizer. Please help!!!!!!!!!
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22 Feb 17, John (Australia - temperate climate)
Rotted manure,pelletiesed manure or blood & bone would be ideal for your silver beet. Being a leaf crop they like lots of nitrogen which they would get from the things I have suggested. natural fertilisers are ideal as they build up the soil and increase soil life, unlike chemical or synthetic fertilisers which destroy soil life. Give nutrients a go, you will be well rewarded!
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03 Apr 17, Mike (Australia - temperate climate)
Most manures and B&B have very little N. And I reckon most manures from commercial shops don't have a lot of actual manure in them.
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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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Will silverbeet grow in the tropics (Darwin)? If so, what time of year? Thank you.

- Barbara Conje

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