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

(Best months for growing Silverbeet in Australia - sub-tropical 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

18 Dec 13, Sinisa (Australia - temperate climate)
Is silver-beet flower edible?
03 Sep 13, Ben:] (Australia - temperate climate)
How do you successfully grow a big and healthy silverbeet , and if anybody has resipe for a fertiliser or something that will help this process please help:D
09 Sep 13, JIM (Australia - sub-tropical climate)
I HAVE PUT A PILE OF SHEEP MANURE NEXT TO MY SILVERBEET FOR STORAGE&IT HAS MADE THE BEET GROW HUGE& IT IS THE DARKEST GREEN I NAVE EVER SEEN
08 Sep 13, Keith (Australia - temperate climate)
Silverbeet normally grows good by its self use some seasol keep moist but not wet I have some in the garden from months ago they got very burnt with the hot weather so I gave up on them and know they have grown back and even better Good luck
31 Jul 13, Adeo (Australia - sub-tropical climate)
I love growing Silver Beet, but sometimes individual plants leaves go darker and then crunchy? The soil here is heavy red clay. Any ideas?
17 Jun 13, sarah (Australia - temperate climate)
What soil is preferable for SilverBeet to grown in? Clay, Sandy, Loam? ect.. :)
01 Jul 13, fred (Australia - temperate climate)
your best soil is sandy loam water often
11 Jun 13, Ally Millington (Australia - temperate climate)
Can Silverbeet grow successfully in pots?
10 Feb 14, Simon (Australia - temperate climate)
We plant it in pots and have had success so far. Ours are the small ones that keep giving us leaves. Not the large mature plants you can buy.
24 Mar 13, Mehmet Kolgu (Australia - sub-tropical climate)
Never understand the words " Avoid growing with potatoes" means how far I can plant my potatoes from the silverbeet / Please advise me..
Showing 91 - 100 of 187 comments

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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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