How to Grow Chard Rhubarb Fordhook Giant
Chard Rhubarb Fordhook Giant
Beta vulgaris subsp. cicla var. flavescens
vegetableFordhook Giant is a large-leafed Swiss chard variety with distinctive dark green savoyed leaves and prominent red or pink veining on thick, rhubarb-colored stems. This heirloom cultivar is prized for its substantial yield, tender leaves, and impressive visual appeal in the garden. It matures quickly and provides continuous harvests throughout the growing season.
Growing Conditions
Soil
Growing Zones
Find your zone →Thrives in zones 2-10; prefers cooler seasons in zones 9-10
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Growth Stages
Seedling
7-10 daysTiny cotyledons emerge with true leaves following within 7-10 days. Seedlings are delicate with minimal foliage.
Keep soil consistently moist but not soggy. Provide bright light to prevent leggy growth. Thin seedlings to proper spacing when first true leaves appear.
Vegetative Growth
25-35 daysRapid expansion of deeply savoyed dark green leaves with prominent colored veins and thick, colorful stems becoming evident. Plant creates a substantial rosette of foliage.
Water regularly and consistently. Apply mulch around base to retain moisture and regulate soil temperature. Feed every 2-3 weeks with balanced fertilizer or compost tea.
Leaf Development & Expansion
15-20 daysLeaves enlarge significantly and become increasingly crinkled. The rhubarb-colored stems develop their full vibrant coloration. Plant reaches harvestable size.
Begin light harvesting of outer leaves once plant is 6-8 inches tall. Continue regular watering. Watch for pest damage during warm weather.
Production & Continuous Harvest
60+ daysMature plant produces abundant tender leaves with thick, edible stems. Continuous leaf production allows ongoing harvest throughout season.
Harvest outer leaves regularly to encourage new growth from center. Remove any flowering stems that appear to extend harvest season. Maintain consistent moisture and fertility.
Decline & End of Season
Variable with temperatureIn spring plantings, plant may bolt as temperatures rise; in fall plantings, growth slows as days shorten. Leaf quality and size diminish.
In heat, provide afternoon shade or allow bolting as signal to replant. In fall/winter, plant remains productive in mild climates. Pull spent plant at season's end.
Common Pests
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Remove affected leaves promptly. Use row covers on young plants. Spinosad spray for heavy infestations. Encourage beneficial parasitic wasps.
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Use row covers until plants are established. Neem oil or insecticidal soap spray. Remove weeds that harbor beetles. Diatomaceous earth around base.
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Strong water spray to dislodge. Insecticidal soap. Neem oil. Encourage ladybugs and lacewings. Reflective mulches deter some species.
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Increase humidity and mist foliage. Neem oil or sulfur spray. Strong water spray. Predatory mites. Avoid over-fertilizing with nitrogen.
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Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) spray. Hand-pick caterpillars. Remove affected leaves. Encourage parasitic wasps and birds.
Uses
Sautéed Greens & Tender Stems
CulinaryBoth the vibrant leaves and rhubarb-colored stems are edible and flavorful. Leaves can be eaten raw in salads when young and tender, or cooked like spinach; stems are thick enough to cook as a separate vegetable with a mild, slightly sweet flavor reminiscent of asparagus. [source]
Soups, Stews & Braised Dishes
CulinaryFordhook Giant's substantial leaves and stems hold up well to cooking methods like braising, simmering in soups, and stewing. The stems can be diced and added to braises or cooked separately. [source]
Nutritional & Antioxidant Support
MedicinalSwiss chard is exceptionally nutrient-dense, providing vitamins K, A, and C, magnesium, iron, and manganese. It contains powerful antioxidants including beta-carotene and lutein that support eye health and cellular protection. [source]
Garden Ornament & Landscape Color
HouseholdFordhook Giant's striking rhubarb-colored stems and deeply savoyed dark green leaves make it an attractive ornamental edible. It adds visual drama to vegetable gardens, flower beds, and containers. [source]
Pollinator & Beneficial Insect Support
WildlifeWhen allowed to bolt and flower, chard attracts bees and other pollinators. The flowering plant supports beneficial insects and provides nectar sources throughout the growing 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 outer leaves when plant is 6-8 inches tall, typically 35-40 days after planting. Cut leaves at the base of the stem using a sharp knife or scissors, leaving inner leaves to continue growing. Harvest regularly—frequent picking encourages more tender growth and extends production. Inner leaves are most tender; outer leaves are tougher but still edible and suitable for cooking. Harvest in early morning for best quality. Plants remain productive for 60+ days with consistent harvesting. Frost improves flavor by converting starches to sugars.
Fun Facts
- 🌱 Fordhook Giant was introduced by the Burpee seed company in the early 1900s and remains one of the most popular heirloom chard varieties over a century later, prized by home gardeners for its reliability and productivity.
- 🌱 The distinctive rhubarb-red veining and stems contain betalains, the same pigments responsible for the color in red beets, making this variety not just visually appealing but also rich in unique phytonutrients.
- 🌱 A single plant can produce harvestable leaves for 3-4 months or longer with proper care and regular picking, making it one of the most productive vegetables per square foot of garden space.
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