Fordhook Giant Organic Chard

Nature & Nurture Seeds

Beta vulgaris

$4.49

Pkt(≈100 seeds)
VALUE SIZE: 1/2 oz (≈900 seeds)
Certified Organic
50 days. We always recommend chard (aka "Swiss Chard") to new gardeners because it's one of the easiest crops to grow. On top of that, Fordhook Giant is one of the most vigorous, high yielding, and reliable chards. Introduced in 1934, it has been a favorite of both market and home gardeners ever since. It can be harvested as baby greens or mature leaves. If started indoors during spring, Fordhook Giant will produce a constant supply of greens from June 1st until November. It is one of the hardiest chards, being cold hardy to 15 degrees. Can be sowed in the hoophouse for fall production. Plants grow 2 feet tall, are somewhat shade tolerant and are easily interplanted among taller vegetables. Leaves are tender and non-bitter.  It can be enjoyed raw, sautéed, stewed, baked, blanched, or broiled.

Fordhook Giant Chard is an easy to grow and versatile crop. For an early harvest, start seeds indoors March 15th (at 80°). Once leaves appear, grow plants at 72°. Transplant outside May 1st, 6-8” apart in rows 20” apart. Or, sow chard seeds outside anytime May 15th – Aug 1st. Sow seeds ½” deep, 3” apart in rows 20” apart. Keep seeds consistently moist until germination. Days to germination: 5-7. Thin plants to 6-8” apart. Chard can also be grown for baby greens – broadcast sow seeds May 1st – Aug. 1st. Protect chard plants from deer and groundhogs who love them. Keep chard plants watered throughout the summer. Plants are cool weather hardy and can be harvested into the fall.