1 6

Fordhook Giant Swiss Chard Seeds

Fordhook Giant Swiss Chard Seeds

3050

Organic
5.0
Rated 5.0 out of 5 stars
6

Fordhook Giant' is an old favorite with its broad, strong stems and large leaves packed with vitamins and minerals. A vigorous grower with a long growing season, it will provide fresh greens from early summer into fall, and year-round in mild climates. White stem varieties are generally more bolt and cold tolerant and more productive than colored stem varieties. Young leaves are great for salads. Glows in containers as an ornamental.

$2.99
$2.99
Sale Sold out

~2.0 g

(~140 seeds)

Shipping calculated at checkout.
View full details
  • Variety Info
  • Sowing Info
  • Growing Info
  • Learn More

Variety Info

Days to Maturity: 50–60 days

Family: Amaranthaceae

Native: Mediterranean region, Europe

Hardiness: Biennial; fairly cold tolerant. Will overwinter in mild climates and withstand light to moderate freezes.

Exposure: Full sun to part shade

Plant Dimensions: Up to 24" tall

Variety Info: Large, glossy, dark green, deeply crumpled leaves with broad white petioles (leafstalks).

Attributes: Frost Tolerant

Non GMO Project

Sowing Info

When to Sow Outside: RECOMMENDED. 2 to 4 weeks before your average last frost date, and when soil temperature is at least 40°F, ideally 75°–90°F. Sow as late as 2 months before first fall frost. Mild Climates: Sow in fall.

When to Start Inside: 4 to 6 weeks before transplanting out, 2 to 4 weeks before your average last frost date (protect from heavy freezes).

Days to Emerge: 5–10 days

Seed Depth: ½"

Seed Spacing: A group of 2–3 seeds every 6"–8"

Row Spacing: 18"

Thinning: When ½" tall, thin to 1 every 8"

Your hardiness zone is

Growing Info

Harvesting: Pick up to 1/3 of the outer leaves as needed, and let more leaves grow from the center of the plant; or, if desired, harvest the whole plant 2" above ground, and it will grow back. Pick very young leaves, at 2"-4" for using fresh in salads.

5.0
Rated 5.0 out of 5 stars
Based on 6 reviews
Total 5 star reviews: 6 Total 4 star reviews: 0 Total 3 star reviews: 0 Total 2 star reviews: 0 Total 1 star reviews: 0
Slide 1 selected
Search
Search Reviews
Rating
Ratings
Which best describes you as a gardener?
Which best describes you as a gardener?
Write a Review (Opens in a new window)
6 reviews
  • Nancy
    Rated 5 out of 5 stars
    10/25/24
    5 Stars

    I am new to growing Swiss Chard and I am enjoying using it for salad greens. I planted the Fordhook Giant variety on Sept 3rd in the Atlanta area and was harvesting within 30 days. I see why it is called giant as this variety produces large leaves with great texture. I will grow this again in the Spring.

    Was this helpful?
    Which best describes you as a gardener? Beginner
  • Marian D.
    Verified Buyer
    Rated 5 out of 5 stars
    11/10/24
    5 Stars

    Great!

    Was this helpful?
    Which best describes you as a gardener? Expert
  • Laurie W.
    Verified Buyer
    Rated 5 out of 5 stars
    5/9/22
    5 Stars

    Fordhook Giant Swiss Chard has served our urban farm well. The germination rate from seed was nearly 100%. The leaves holds up well through the summer heat, as well as lasting deep into Michigan's winter months in our hoop house. The slightly salty flavor is praised by everyone who tries it...a very dependable variety for home, market farm, and community garden!

    Was this helpful?
  • lisa
    Verified Buyer
    Rated 5 out of 5 stars
    5/9/22
    5 Stars

    I've never really grown chard before and didn't know what to expect. This did great, even under less than ideal circumstances. Germination and hardiness were great. I planted them in the spring, and I was still harvesting a couple weeks ago (end of December in zone 5).

    Was this helpful?
  • V
    Verified Buyer
    Rated 5 out of 5 stars
    5/9/22
    5 Stars

    This was started in my small greenhouse, so it got a head start & looks to be doing well despite the extra chilly early spring, I did cover them with a garden blanket with the recent frost alert. I will monitor and update as they grow!!

    Was this helpful?