Swiss Chard, Fordhook Giant Seed Tape

Name: Swiss Chard, Fordhook Giant Seed Tape
Brand: McKenzie Seeds
SKU: 139831
Price: 4.99 CAD
Availability: InStock

Beta vulgaris subsp. cicla

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Product Information

Swiss Chard Fordhook Giant Seed Tape is the perfect way to grow robust and nutritious greens in your garden.

Fordhook Giant Swiss Chard is the perfect green to grow, even in hot weather. Broad, dark green leaves have a delicate spinach flavor. Stems are broad, thick, and white. Leaves can be picked at any time or cut leaf stalks just above ground level and the plant will continue to produce all season long. Both stalks and leaves are edible. Delicious in salads, quiche or steamed with butter. Freezes well.
Please Note: Seed tapes require consistent moisture to ensure the best germination.

SKU: 139831
Common Name: Swiss Chard
Botanical Name: Beta vulgaris subsp. cicla

Growing Information

Safe
for Bees

Grows
Best In:

Full Sun|Partial Sun

Days to
Germination:

7 - 10 days

Water
Needs:

Average 2.5-5 cm (1-2") per week

Days to
Maturity:

50 - 60 days

Best
Container Size:

30 cm+ (12"+)

Key Features

Plant Type: Vegetable
Plant Lifecycle: Annual
Fill Weight (grams): 4.5 meters (15 feet)
Approximate Seed Count: 100+
Characteristics: Frost sensitive
Planting Method: Direct Sow
Water Needs: Average 2.5-5 cm (1-2") per week
Landscape Use: Edible Garden
Tolerance: heat tolerant|cold tolerant
Flavor: Mild and earthy taste
Preparation Ideas: Leaves can be used in place of spinach in salads, stir fried, or sauteed while the stalks can be creamed.

Instructions

How To Grow

Swiss chard seeds should be sown directly into the garden when the soil is warm and all danger of frost is past. Soil temperature (not air temperature) should be between 13-24°C (55-75°F) . Prepare the soil for planting. Make shallow rows 13 mm (1/2") deep and 30 cm (12") apart. Tear strips apart and unroll into rows. Water the Seedtape thoroughly, then cover with 1.3 cm (1/2") of soil and water thoroughly again. It is critical to keep the soil consistently moist, but not soggy during germination. Do not allow the soil to become dry, as young plants have underdeveloped roots and can quickly dehydrate, particularly in windy conditions. Swiss chard grows quickly and more seeds can be succession planted every 10 days for 4 weeks for a continuous supply of fresh chard.

Click here to read more information on planning and planting a garden.

Planting Depth: Make shallow rows 13 mm (1/2") deep and 45 cm (18") apart.
Plant Spacing: 25 cm (10")
Instructions for Nutrient Care: Feed plants SUPERthrive once per week. Mix 1.2 ml (1/4 tsp) per 4L (1 gallon) of water in a watering can and apply solution to the base of the plants.

Suggestions

Swiss chard is a member of the beet family and grows well both in cool and warm weather.
Baby greens can be harvested in as little as 25 days.
Both the leaves and stems can be eaten cooked or raw.
Water regularly to promote plenty of fresh leafy growth and to stop the plants from bolting. Bolting is when plants stop vegetative growth and start flowering, marking the end of the harvest.
When plants are about 30 cm (12") tall, cut leaves back to 7-12 cm (3 -5") to encourage new tender growth. If chard plants become overgrown, they become less flavorful.
Depending on the size of leaves you want, harvest can take place when plants are 15-20 cm (6-8") tall. Chard can be harvested as a 'cut and come again' crop. Cut off older outer leaves 4 cm (1-1/2") above the ground with a sharp knife. Avoid damaging the plant’s center and the young leaves will continue to grow.