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

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02 Mar 23, chris fox (Australia - tropical climate)
do you need to soak seeds in water before planting ?
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03 Mar 23, (Australia - cool/mountain climate)
You don't have to. It just gives a bit of a head start.
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27 Oct 22, (Australia - sub-tropical climate)
I heard recently twist and tear for silverbeet. Be careful you don't pull the plant out.
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16 Oct 22, Sean (Australia - temperate climate)
Please let me know folks, can I grow silverbeet in medium to large pots on my balcony. They will get plenty of northern and western sun.
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17 Oct 22, (Australia - sub-tropical climate)
Should be able to, just need to make sure you keep the water up.
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24 Apr 21, Lisa (Australia - temperate climate)
Hi there when can i plant silver beet in Melbourne and where can i get a poster of what to plant when plants and vegetables
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28 Apr 21, Anonymous (Australia - temperate climate)
At the top of the page on the left is a GREEN tab - PLANT NOW - use that to decide when to plant different crops. Go to Silver beet - temperate zone and it is at the top of the page - a calendar for when to plant. - P = plant seeds, S for seed planting under cover - T for transplant.
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15 Apr 21, Jane (Australia - sub-tropical climate)
Absolutely agree: a rose is a rose with different needs. Admittedly, fruit trees are said to be compatible as is lavender but I'll be leaving that alone. Thnx.
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24 Apr 21, (Australia - sub-tropical climate)
Just my thoughts and experience but when planting 2 or more things together, they will rob each other of fertiliser, water and even sunlight. At a given time you may need N for the silver beet but P or K for the fruit tree etc. Some people do it but I would say their crops aren't the best. I have two examples in the garden now, tall tomato plants stealing the sunlight of corn next to it and sun flowers have done the same to other corn. Tomatoes and sun flowers have grown faster and taller than the corn. I should have know better.
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26 Jun 21, Jane (Australia - tropical climate)
Better late than never? Thanks for this. I hope yr plants are getting plenty if sun ' n fresh air!! I think I might plant too close. Hope not.
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What is the large curly leaf silver beet name

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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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