How to Grow Fordhook Giant Swiss Chard
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Fordhook Giant Swiss Chard
Beta vulgaris subsp. cicla var. flavescens
vegetableFordhook Giant is a classic Swiss chard variety prized for its large, crinkled dark green leaves and thick, pale yellow-green stems. This cold-hardy leafy green is a prolific producer that can be harvested continuously throughout the growing season. It's an heirloom variety that has been a gardener's favorite since the 1920s due to its vigor, flavor, and reliability.
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Example Fordhook Giant Swiss Chard timeline · Pittsburgh, PA (Zone 6b)
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Plant Fordhook Giant Swiss Chard
Around Apr 17Near Pittsburgh's average last spring frost.
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Tend & protect
Late spring–summerWatering, feeding, and pest-watch reminders.
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Harvest Fordhook Giant Swiss Chard
Around Jun 1≈ 45 days after planting
Sample dates for Pittsburgh, PA. Sign up to get exact Fordhook Giant Swiss Chard dates for your own zip code.
Growing Conditions
Soil
Growing Zones
Find your zone →Thrives in zones 2-10; prefers cooler seasons but tolerates heat better than spinach
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Get my Fordhook Giant Swiss Chard timeline →Growth Stages
Seedling
2-3 weeksSeeds germinate in 7-14 days; seedlings emerge with two cotyledons and develop first true leaves
Keep soil moist but not soggy. Thin seedlings to proper spacing once true leaves appear. Provide bright light if growing indoors.
Vegetative Growth
3-4 weeksPlant develops large, deeply crinkled dark green leaves and thick stems; rapid leaf expansion occurs
Water consistently, maintain adequate spacing for air circulation, apply nitrogen fertilizer every 3-4 weeks. Mulch around plants to retain moisture and keep roots cool.
Leaf Production
4-8+ weeksPlant reaches harvestable size with robust outer leaves while continuing to produce new inner leaves from the center
Begin harvesting outer leaves once plant is 8-10 inches tall. Regular harvesting encourages more leaf production. Continue fertilizing and watering consistently.
Mature Plant
Ongoing until season end or boltingPlant is fully established, 12-18 inches tall with abundant large leaves and thick stems; reaches maximum productivity
Harvest continuously by removing outer leaves. Remove flower stalks if they appear to redirect energy to leaf production. In extreme heat, provide afternoon shade to prevent bolting.
Bolting/End of Season
Variable, triggers seasonal or environmental stressPlant sends up flower stalks and leaf quality declines; growth slows in response to heat or day length changes
Remove flowering stalks to extend harvest. In hot climates, plant for fall/winter harvest instead. Plant may recover if heat passes and watering increases.
Common Pests
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Remove affected leaves, apply neem oil or spinosad, encourage beneficial predatory wasps, use row covers on young plants
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Increase humidity and water spray, apply neem oil or horticultural soap, remove heavily infested leaves
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Strong water spray to dislodge, insecticidal soap, neem oil, encourage natural predators like ladybugs
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Yellow sticky traps, neem oil or horticultural soap, reflective mulches, insecticidal soap sprays
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and
Hand-pick, create barriers with diatomaceous earth or copper tape, beer traps, encourage ground beetles
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Remove infected leaves promptly, improve air circulation, avoid overhead watering, apply fungicide if severe
Uses
Nutritious Cooking Greens
CulinaryFordhook Giant is excellent sautéed, steamed, or added to soups and stews. The tender leaves and stems provide a mild, slightly sweet flavor that pairs well with garlic, olive oil, and lemon. [source]
Raw Salads
CulinaryYoung leaves can be used raw in salads, providing a tender, mild green component. The colorful stems add visual appeal and a slightly earthy crunch. [source]
Nutritional Powerhouse
MedicinalSwiss chard is extremely rich in vitamins K, A, and C, as well as magnesium, potassium, and iron. Regular consumption supports bone health, cardiovascular function, and overall nutritional status. [source]
Companion Planting Benefits
HouseholdFordhook Giant's natural pest-deterrent properties and ability to share space with other vegetables make it valuable in polyculture gardens and crop rotation systems for sustainable pest management. [source]
Pollinator Support
WildlifeWhen allowed to flower, Fordhook Giant provides late-season nectar and pollen for bees and beneficial insects. The seeds also feed birds in fall and winter. [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 reach 6-10 inches long (typically 45-60 days after planting). Pinch or cut outer leaves at the base, allowing the center to continue growing. Harvest regularly to encourage continuous production. Young leaves are more tender; older leaves are tougher but still edible. Plants can produce for 2-3 months or longer in cool seasons. Morning harvests offer peak crispness. In hot climates, harvest in early morning to get the best quality before heat stress.
Fun Facts
- 🌱 Fordhook Giant was bred by the W. Atlee Burpee seed company in the early 1920s and remains one of the most popular heirloom Swiss chard varieties nearly 100 years later due to its exceptional productivity.
- 🌱 Unlike many leafy greens, Swiss chard can tolerate light frosts and actually improves in flavor after a frost, making it an excellent spring and fall crop even in colder climates.
- 🌱 The striking yellow-green stems are not only decorative but can be harvested separately and prepared like asparagus or used in stir-fries, providing two distinct vegetables from a single plant.
Gardening Terms
New to gardening? Learn about terms used in this guide:
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