How to Grow Chard Fordhook Giant

Chard Fordhook Giant

Beta vulgaris subsp. cicla

vegetable

Fordhook Giant is a robust Swiss chard variety prized for its large, heavily crumpled dark green leaves and thick, white midribs. It is a cool-season leafy green that produces continuously when properly harvested, making it ideal for both home gardeners and market growers. This heirloom variety offers excellent flavor and impressive yield over an extended harvest period.

Growing Conditions

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Sun: Full sun (6+ hours daily) to partial shade; afternoon shade beneficial in hot climates

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Water: Consistent moisture; water 1-2 inches per week. Keep soil evenly moist but not waterlogged. More frequent watering needed in hot weather and sandy soils.

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Spacing: 6 inches

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Days to maturity: 50-60 days from seed to first harvest

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Planting depth: 0.5

Soil

Type: Well-draining loamy soil rich in organic matter

pH: 6.0-7.0

Amendments:

Compost aged manure peat moss or coconut coir balanced organic fertilizer

Growing Zones

Find your zone →

Thrives in zones 3-10; prefers cooler weather but tolerates summer heat better than spinach

2a 2b 3a 3b 4a 4b 5a 5b 6a 6b 7a 7b 8a 8b 9a 9b 10a

Growth Stages

Seedling

10-14 days

Cotyledons emerge with true leaves following; small plants develop 2-4 leaves.

Thin seedlings to 6-inch spacing when they have 2-3 true leaves. Keep soil consistently moist. Provide bright light if starting indoors.

Vegetative Growth

25-35 days

Rapid leaf expansion; plant develops thick stems and deeply textured foliage. Leaves reach 10-12 inches long.

Ensure consistent watering and apply 2-inch layer of mulch to retain moisture and regulate soil temperature. Side-dress with compost every 3 weeks for vigorous growth.

Mature Leaf Production

15-20 days

Plant reaches full size with large, heavily crumpled leaves and prominent white ribs; ready for harvest.

Begin harvesting outer leaves to encourage continued production. Monitor for pests and maintain consistent watering schedule.

Peak Harvest

30-60+ days or until frost/heat stress

Plant is fully productive, producing tender new growth in center continuously as outer leaves are harvested.

Harvest regularly (2-3 times per week) to maximize yield and plant longevity. Remove any yellow or damaged leaves. Continue fertilizing with diluted liquid fertilizer every 2-3 weeks.

Decline/End of Season

Variable based on season and climate

Plant bolts, leaves become bitter, or growth slows significantly due to temperature extremes.

Remove bolting plants or allow to flower if saving seeds. In spring, may regrow after being cut back if conditions moderate.

Companion Planting

Plan your garden →

Plant with:

Beets Onions Garlic Lettuce Spinach Arugula Carrots Radishes Borage Marigold

Avoid planting near:

Pole beans Corn Fennel

Common Pests

Remove affected leaves promptly. Use row covers on young plants. Spray spinosad or neem oil if infestation is severe. Encourage beneficial insects.
Use floating row covers on seedlings. Spray neem oil or insecticidal soap. Dust with food-grade diatomaceous earth. Plant trap crops nearby.
Spray with strong water jet to dislodge. Apply insecticidal soap or neem oil. Introduce ladybugs or lacewings. Avoid excess nitrogen fertilizer.
Maintain adequate soil moisture and humidity. Spray with water mist. Use neem oil or miticide if severe. Remove heavily infested leaves.
and
Hand-pick early morning or evening. Use copper tape or barriers. Create beer traps. Remove hiding debris. Apply food-grade diatomaceous earth around base.

Uses

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Versatile Cooking Green

Culinary

Fordhook Giant's tender leaves and succulent stems are excellent sautéed, steamed, braised, or added to soups, stews, and curries. The mild, slightly sweet flavor pairs well with garlic, olive oil, and lemon. [source]

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Raw Salads & Smoothies

Culinary

Young, tender inner leaves can be used raw in salads or blended into green smoothies, providing a nutrient-dense addition with a mild taste. [source]

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Nutritional Support

Medicinal

Chard is exceptionally rich in vitamins K, A, and C; minerals including magnesium, iron, and potassium; and antioxidants. Traditionally used to support bone health, cardiovascular function, and general wellness. [source]

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Natural Dye Plant

Household

The leaves and stems can be used to produce natural dyes, yielding yellow, green, and burgundy tones depending on the chard variety and mordant used. [source]

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Pollinator & Beneficial Insect Support

Wildlife

When allowed to bolt and flower, chard produces nectar-rich blooms that attract bees, butterflies, and other pollinators. Flowers also support beneficial insects and can provide seeds for next season. [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 when outer leaves are 6-8 inches long, typically 50-60 days after sowing. Pinch or cut off outer leaves at the base, leaving the center crown intact to promote regrowth. Harvest regularly (2-3 times per week) to maximize yield and maintain tenderness. Leaves are most tender in cool seasons; heat may increase bitterness. Continue harvesting until frost kills the plant or severe heat stress occurs. In mild climates, can produce through winter. Rinse leaves thoroughly before use.

Fun Facts

🌱 Fordhook Giant is a heirloom variety introduced by Burpee in the 1930s and remains a favorite among gardeners for its exceptional size and productivity.
🌱 Swiss chard gets its name not from Switzerland but from the Swiss Chard leaf shape, while the plant likely originated in the Mediterranean region and was cultivated by ancient Greeks and Romans.
🌱 The thick, white midribs are actually a different texture and often cooked separately from the tender leaf blades in gourmet cooking—the ribs take slightly longer to become tender.

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