Swiss Chard 'Fordhook Giant' Seeds - Marshalls Garden
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The RangeMarshalls Garden Fordhook Giant Swiss Chard Seeds, 500 Seeds - Green
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Full details
This guide is for home gardeners looking to grow a reliable and versatile leafy green. Swiss Chard 'Fordhook Giant' offers a quick-cooking, tender dark green leaf with crisp white stems, providing a dual-purpose harvest from summer into autumn. The primary caveat is that stems and leaves require slightly different cooking times for optimal texture.
All features
| Model Part Number | 10202878 |
|---|---|
| Brand | Marshalls Garden |
Extended Product Information
FAQs
How long does it take for Swiss Chard 'Fordhook Giant' to mature?
Young leaves can typically be harvested in about 5-7 weeks after sowing, with mature plants ready for full harvest shortly thereafter. The overall growing season can extend from summer into autumn.
Can I grow this in a small pot?
Yes, Swiss Chard 'Fordhook Giant' is well-suited for container gardening. Ensure the pot is at least 8-10 inches in diameter and has good drainage.
What is the best way to cook the stems?
The stems are best cooked separately from the leaves. Slice them and braise, steam, or stir-fry them until they are tender-crisp, similar to how you would cook celery.
How often should I harvest the leaves?
Harvest outer leaves regularly as needed. This encourages the plant to produce more leaves from the center and ensures a continuous supply. Avoid removing more than one-third of the plant at a time.
Does this variety overwinter?
In milder climates, Swiss Chard 'Fordhook Giant' can often overwinter and continue producing into the next spring. Protection may be needed in colder regions.
What companions does Swiss Chard grow well with?
Good companions include beans, brassicas (like broccoli and cabbage), cucumbers, onions, and peas. Avoid planting near corn or tomatoes.
Troubleshooting
Seedlings are weak or leggy
Ensure adequate sunlight. If grown indoors, provide stronger light and consider slightly cooler temperatures. Thin seedlings to give them more space.
Leaves are small or stunted
Check for adequate watering and consistent feeding. Ensure the plant has enough space and nutrients in the soil.
Bolting (flowering prematurely)
This is often triggered by heat stress. Harvest regularly, provide consistent moisture, and consider planting in a location with partial shade during the hottest part of the day.
Pest infestation (e.g., aphids, leaf miners)
Remove affected leaves. Encourage beneficial insects or use organic pest control methods like insecticidal soap. Keep the garden area clean.
Pros and Cons
Pros
- Quick-cooking tender leaves
- Versatile use of both leaves and stems
- Good for small spaces like patios and raised beds
- Reliable yield over an extended season
- Attractive, deeply savoyed foliage
Cons
- Stems and leaves require separate cooking times
- May require successive sowing for continuous harvest
- Can bolt in very high heat conditions
Setup, Compatibility & Care
Sowing:
- Sow seeds directly into well-drained soil after the last frost. For an earlier start, sow indoors 2-3 weeks before the last frost.
- Plant seeds about 1-2 cm deep and 6-12 inches apart, depending on desired maturity size and available space.
- Ensure the soil is fertile; amending with compost is recommended.
Compatibility:
- Suitable for containers, raised beds, and traditional garden plots.
- Tolerates a range of soil types but prefers well-drained, fertile soil.
Care:
- Watering: Keep soil consistently moist, especially during dry periods. Avoid waterlogged conditions.
- Sunlight: Prefers full sun but can tolerate partial shade.
- Fertilizing: Feed with a balanced liquid fertilizer every 4-6 weeks during the growing season.
- Harvesting: Begin harvesting outer leaves when they reach a usable size. Cut leaves at the base of the stem. Stems can be harvested individually or along with the leaves.