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Swiss Chard Seeds, Fordhook Giant
Description
(Beta vulgaris). This variety was introduced in 1924 by W. Atlee Burpee. It has large, glossy, dark green leaves and thick, white stalks. A hardy, productive and very tasty Swiss chard.
- 60 days to maturity
- 4-8 hours of sun
- Sprouts in 14-21 days
- Ideal Temperature: 50-75 F
- Seed Depth: 1/2"
- Plant Spacing: 8"
- Frost Hardy: Yes
Growing Tips, Tricks and FAQs
Growing Tips
Fordhook Giant performs well in a range of conditions, including cool and mild weather. It prefers well-drained, fertile soil with a pH of 6.0 to 7.0, enriched with organic matter like compost or well-rotted manure. This variety can tolerate partial shade, which can even prevent bolting in hotter climates.
When to Grow
Fordhook Giant is a cool-season crop that can be sown in early spring, about 2-3 weeks before the last frost date, and continue through mid-summer for a fall harvest. In mild climates, it can be planted in the fall for winter harvesting. Seeds germinate best in soil temperatures between 50 F and 75 F. If starting indoors, sow seeds 5-6 weeks before the last frost and transplant outside once the risk of frost has passed.
How to Sow and Plant
Direct sow seeds 1/2 inch deep, spacing them about 8 inches apart, with rows spaced 12-18 inches apart. If growing for baby leaves, sow seeds more densely and thin as needed. For transplanting, start seeds indoors in seed trays, and when seedlings are a few inches tall with several true leaves, transplant them to the garden. Gradually expose indoor seedlings to outdoor conditions to harden them off before transplanting.
How to Grow
Fordhook Giant requires regular watering, especially during dry periods, to keep the soil consistently moist. Mulching around the base helps retain moisture, suppress weeds, and regulate soil temperature. Chard is relatively pest-resistant but keep an eye out for aphids and leaf miners, which can affect the leaves. Surround chard plants with eggshells to deter slugs. Promptly remove any leaves that have brown patches surrounded by purple haloes, as this indicates fungal infection.
How to Save
- Like other biennial plants, chard produces flowers and seeds in the spring of its second year, after it has been through winter.
- Chard is only winter hardy to about 15 degrees F, so in most areas, you must dig the plants in fall and replant them in spring if you want to save seed.
- Through winter, keep the trimmed plants packed in damp sand in the basement or another cool place.
- Set them out four to six weeks before your last frost date.
- Chard is wind-pollinated, so at least six closely spaced plants are needed for a good seed set.
- Look for greenish flowers followed by seed capsules clustered close to the stem. When the stems dry to brown, crush them inside a paper bag, and gather the largest seeds that fall to the bottom.
- Store them in a cool, dry place. Chard seeds will keep for at least three years, and often longer.
FAQ
Can Fordhook Giant be grown in containers?
Yes, it can. Use a pot that is at least 12 inches deep with good drainage. Water often to keep the soil moist.
How long does it take to harvest Fordhook Giant?
It typically takes 60 days to reach maturity. Leaves can be harvested when they are about 6-8 inches long. Using a "cut-and-come-again" method allows for continuous harvesting throughout the growing season​.
Is Fordhook Giant frost-tolerant?
Yes, it is quite frost-tolerant and can withstand light frosts, making it suitable for late-season planting and even overwintering in mild climates​.
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