How to Grow Chard Charlotte Fordhook Giant

Chard Charlotte Fordhook Giant

Beta vulgaris subsp. cicla

vegetable

Fordhook Giant is a large-leaved Swiss chard variety known for its crinkled, savoyed foliage and thick, white midribs. This heirloom cultivar is highly productive and cold-tolerant, making it a reliable choice for both spring and fall gardens. The tender leaves and succulent stems are excellent for cooking and can be harvested continuously throughout the growing season.

Growing Conditions

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Sun: Full sun to partial shade; 6+ hours of direct sunlight daily, afternoon shade in hot climates

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Water: Keep soil consistently moist but not waterlogged; provide 1-1.5 inches per week through rainfall or irrigation; more frequent watering in hot weather

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Spacing: 6-12 inches

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Days to maturity: 50-60

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Planting depth: 0.5 inches

Soil

Type: Well-draining, fertile loamy soil rich in organic matter

pH: 6.0-7.5

Amendments:

compost aged manure peat moss or coconut coir

Growing Zones

Find your zone →

Thrives in zones 3-10; prefers cooler seasons but tolerates heat better than many greens

3a 3b 4a 4b 5a 5b 6a 6b 7a 7b 8a 8b 9a 9b 10a

Growth Stages

Seedling

2-3 weeks

Cotyledons emerge within 7-10 days; first true leaves appear heart-shaped and small

Maintain consistent soil moisture; provide bright light if growing indoors; thin seedlings to prevent crowding

Vegetative Growth

3-4 weeks

Develops multiple true leaves with characteristic white midribs; foliage becomes increasingly savoyed and crinkled

Thin plants to final spacing of 6-12 inches; water regularly; apply balanced fertilizer or side-dress with compost every 3 weeks

Leaf Expansion

3-4 weeks

Large crinkled leaves reach full size; thick, succulent white stems become prominent; plant continues branching from base

Begin light harvesting of outer leaves; maintain consistent moisture; monitor for pests; mulch around base to retain moisture

Peak Productivity

4-8 weeks (or until frost or bolting)

Plant reaches mature size (18-24 inches tall); produces abundant, harvestable leaves continuously

Harvest outer leaves regularly to encourage new growth; deadhead any flower stalks that appear; continue watering and fertilizing

Decline/Bolting

Variable; plant-dependent

Plant may bolt (flower) in hot weather or as daylight extends; leaf quality may decline; flavor becomes stronger

Remove flower stalks immediately to extend leaf production; provide afternoon shade and extra water in heat; consider replanting for fall harvest

Companion Planting

Plan your garden →

Plant with:

beets carrots lettuce spinach onions garlic bush beans radishes parsley marigolds

Avoid planting near:

fennel pole beans

Common Pests

Remove infested leaves; use row covers; apply neem oil or spinosad; encourage beneficial predators
Hand-pick beetles; use row covers on young plants; apply neem oil; remove debris where they overwinter
Spray with strong water spray; use insecticidal soap; introduce ladybugs or lacewings; neem oil spray
Increase humidity and watering; spray undersides of leaves with water; use miticide if severe; neem oil
and
Hand-pick at dusk; use copper tape barriers; set beer traps; encourage ground beetles; apply diatomaceous earth

Uses

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Sautéed sides and cooked greens

Culinary

The thick stems and tender leaves are excellent when sautéed with garlic and olive oil, steamed, or added to soups. The hearty texture of Fordhook Giant holds up well to cooking and pairs beautifully with Italian and Mediterranean cuisines. [source]

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Fresh salads and raw preparations

Culinary

Young, tender leaves can be used raw in salads, offering a slightly earthy flavor. The colorful white midribs add visual appeal and pleasant texture to mixed green salads. [source]

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Nutritional superfood and health support

Medicinal

Swiss chard is rich in vitamins K, A, and C, plus minerals like magnesium and potassium. It contains compounds like lutein and zeaxanthin that support eye health and has been studied for antioxidant and anti-inflammatory benefits. [source]

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Natural dye source

Household

Chard leaves and stems can be used to create natural plant-based dyes for fabric and fiber arts, producing earthy green and yellow tones depending on mordants used. [source]

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Pollinator and beneficial insect support

Wildlife

If allowed to bolt and flower, chard flowers attract bees and beneficial insects. Growing it in a diverse garden supports pollinators and natural pest control. [source]

This is not medical advice. LizPlants is not a medical resource. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional before using plants medicinally.

Harvest Tips

Begin harvesting outer leaves when plant is 6-8 inches tall, typically 40-50 days after planting. Pinch or cut leaves at the base; the plant will continue producing new growth from the center. Harvest regularly (every 3-5 days) to encourage continued productivity. Young, tender leaves are milder and better for raw use; more mature leaves are excellent for cooking. Avoid harvesting more than one-third of the plant at a time. Fordhook Giant tolerates light frosts, making fall harvests possible in cooler zones. Harvest in early morning for best flavor and texture.

Fun Facts

🌱 Fordhook Giant is an heirloom variety developed by the Burpee seed company in the early 1900s, named after their Fordhook Farm in Pennsylvania. It remains one of the most popular chard varieties over 120 years later.
🌱 The white midribs in chard are packed with pectin and develop a tender, slightly sweet flavor when cooked—some gardeners prefer to cook the stems and leaves separately to account for different cooking times.
🌱 Chard can be harvested continuously for 2-3 months or longer, making it one of the most productive cool-season vegetables per plant. A single mature plant can provide salad greens for a family of four throughout the season.

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