Fordhook Giant Swiss Chard

Standard Packet Seed Count: Approx. 80 seeds

Days to Maturity: 60 days

Description:  Fordhook Swiss Chard is a standard green chard variety that grows up to 28" tall. It makes large, green, crumpled leaves with white veins.  Leaves are wonderfully tender and juicy. Plus you can harvest in 50-60 days, and it is tolerant to light frosts as well as heat!

How To Grow

Sowing:  Direct sow Swiss chard about a week after the last spring frost, planting it 1/2" deep in compost-enriched soil, in full sun. For harvesting the entire plant, space the plants 4-5" apart; for continual harvesting of the outer stalks, space the plants 8-10" apart for larger growth. Sow seeds every 2 weeks for a continuous summer harvest.  Germination should occur in about a week. It can survive light frosts, and can be planted as a fall crop.

Growing:  Keep the soil evenly moist and weed free with a layer of mulch. Moisture is especially crucial to the seedlings in the first stages of their growth.  Companion plant with the brassica family, onions, leeks, scallions, and beans.

Harvesting:  Individual leaves can be harvested for greens as soon as they reach a height of 6-8". The whole plant can be cut at the surface of the soil, but
to ensure continued growth and another harvest, leave an inch of stem. Outer stalks can also be harvested individually, leaving the heart to grow.  In the spring, the plants will go to seed; wait until the seed heads are fully grown and dry before removing them. The seeds should readily come off the stems after they are completely dry. Store the seeds in a cool, dry place for up to five years.