Customer Service Hours
Mon-Fri 8-4 MST
Features
Family
Amaranthaceae
Native
Mediterranean region, Europe
Life Cycle
Biennial
Plant Height
Medium (12" - 24")
Further Information
Growing Conditions
Frost Tolerant
About Fordhook Giant Swiss Chard Seeds
Beta vulgaris subsp. vulgaris
Large, glossy, dark green, deeply crumpled leaves with broad white petioles (leafstalks).
Planting Swiss Chard
Days to Maturity
50–60 days
Plant Spacing
A group of 2–3 seeds every 6"–8"
Light Required
Full sun to part shade
Plant Height
Medium (12" - 24")
Planting Depth
½"
Coverage & Planting Details
| Coverage | This packet sows up to 46 feet. |
|---|---|
| Row Spacing | 18" |
| Seed Depth | ½" |
| Seed Spacing | A group of 2–3 seeds every 6"–8" |
| Thinning | When ½" tall, thin to 1 every 8" |
| Germination | 5–10 days |
| Start Indoors | 4 to 6 weeks before transplanting out, 2 to 4 weeks before your average last frost date (protect from heavy freezes). |
| Direct Sow | 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. |
| Growing & 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. |
Find Your Frost Date & Grow Zone
Average First Frost Date
October 19
Average Last Frost Date
May 19
Your Hardiness Zone is
5b
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Rating
Which best describes you as a gardener?
9 reviews
- Dianna M.Verified BuyerRated 5 out of 5 stars10/12/26Chard for fall into spring Z8a Georgia
This variety never disappoints and overwinters very well with frost blanket in the coldest temps so that we have chard to harvest in late winter into early summer.
Which best describes you as a gardener? IntermediateBIBotanical Interests10/12/26Hey Dianna,
We're so happy to hear that your Fordhook Giant Swiss Chard Seeds have been such a reliable choice for your garden! It sounds like this variety is really living up to expectations with how well it overwinters and keeps producing for you from late winter right into early summer. That's fantastic!
Thanks so much for being part of our growing community and for sharing your experience! Keep on growing 🌻
- Melissa L. Q.Verified BuyerRated 2 out of 5 stars8/16/26Disappointed
Didn’t germinate, direct sow and in seed starting to mix to transfer later. Will try again though!
Which best describes you as a gardener? IntermediateBIBotanical Interests8/18/26Hey Melissa
Thank you so much for taking the time to share your thoughts in a review. I've reached out to you via email to offer assistance. Your feedback is invaluable to us, and we are committed to ensuring your experience is positive. Thank you once again for your input. Keep on growing 🌻️
- Alan D.Verified BuyerRated 4 out of 5 stars4/9/26Looking healthy
Planted and growing great
Which best describes you as a gardener? Beginner - Marian D.Verified BuyerRated 5 out of 5 stars11/10/245 Stars
Great!
Which best describes you as a gardener? Expert - NancyRated 5 out of 5 stars10/25/245 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.
Which best describes you as a gardener? Beginner