Swiss Chard Seeds - Fordhook

A Classic Favorite for Robust Greens and Nutritious Harvests
Fordhook Swiss Chard is a highly popular variety known for its large, tender leaves and thick, white stems. This plant offers nutritious greens with a mild, sweet flavor and is perfect for sautéing, steaming, or adding to a variety of dishes. With its strong, reliable growth, it's an excellent choice for both beginners and seasoned gardeners alike.

Key Benefits

• Large, Tender Leaves: Produces broad, dark green leaves that are perfect for a variety of culinary uses.
• Thick, White Stems: Known for its crisp, white stems that add texture to salads or cooked dishes.
• Cold-Hardy: Can tolerate cool temperatures and even light frost, making it a great option for spring and fall planting.
• High Yielding: Provides a continuous harvest of nutritious greens, making it ideal for both home gardeners and market growers.

Planting Instructions

Planting Season

• Early Spring or Fall: Swiss Chard can be started in early spring after the last frost, or in late summer for a fall harvest. It thrives in cooler weather, making it perfect for cool-season gardening.

Planting Details

• Depth: Plant seeds 1/2 inch deep in well-drained soil.
• Spacing: Space seeds 6-8 inches apart to give the plants ample room to grow and develop their full potential.
• Light: Prefers full sun but can tolerate partial shade, especially in hotter climates. More sunlight will result in more robust growth.
• Soil: Thrives in rich, well-drained soil with a pH between 6.0 and 7.0. Enhance soil fertility by adding compost or organic matter.

Watering and Care

• Water Needs: Keep the soil consistently moist, but avoid overwatering. A mulch layer around the base of the plants will help retain moisture.
• Fertilizing: Apply a balanced organic fertilizer or compost every 4-6 weeks to encourage healthy growth and maximize leaf production.
• Thinning: Thin seedlings to about 8-10 inches apart once they have a few leaves to give them space to grow to their full potential.
• Weeding: Regularly remove weeds around the plants to prevent competition for nutrients and water.

Harvesting

• When to Harvest: Begin harvesting outer leaves once they are 6-8 inches long, usually around 50-60 days after sowing. Harvesting outer leaves encourages new growth from the center.
• How to Harvest: Cut outer leaves using a sharp knife or scissors, allowing the inner leaves to continue growing. For the best flavor, harvest leaves before they become too large or tough.
• Storage: Freshly harvested leaves can be stored in the refrigerator for up to a week. For long-term storage, freeze or dehydrate the leaves.

Perfect For

• Culinary Use: The mild flavor of Fordhook Swiss Chard makes it perfect for cooking. Use it in stir-fries, soups, stews, or as a steamed side dish.
• Fresh Eating: Tender young leaves can be used in fresh salads for a nutritious addition.
• Edible Landscaping: With its attractive, large leaves and striking white stems, Fordhook Swiss Chard adds visual interest to edible landscapes or mixed garden beds.
• Cold-Weather Gardening: Perfect for spring and fall, Fordhook can handle cooler temperatures and a light frost, allowing for a longer harvest season.

Coverage

• Packet: Typically covers 10-12 square feet, depending on planting density.

Grow Healthy, Flavorful Greens with Fordhook Swiss Chard

Fordhook Swiss Chard is a reliable and high-yielding vegetable that thrives in cool weather. Whether you're adding a healthy green to your meals or looking to grow a productive crop in your garden, Fordhook offers both delicious and nutritious leaves. Start your garden with Fordhook Swiss Chard seeds today and enjoy fresh, vibrant greens throughout the season!

Order your Fordhook Swiss Chard Seeds now and get started on your healthy, homegrown harvest!