How to Grow Swiss Chard Fordhook Giant
Swiss Chard Fordhook Giant
Beta vulgaris subsp. cicla
vegetableFordhook Giant is a robust Swiss chard variety known for its large, heavily savoyed dark green leaves and thick, white or pale green stems. This vigorous cultivar produces abundant yields over an extended harvest period and is one of the most popular chard varieties for home and commercial gardens.
Growing Conditions
Soil
Growing Zones
Find your zone →Thrives in zones 2-10; can be grown year-round in mild climates
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Growth Stages
Seedling
7-14 daysEmerge with two cotyledons and develop first true leaves within 7-10 days. Seedlings are tender and delicate.
Keep soil consistently moist but not waterlogged. Provide bright light. Thin seedlings to proper spacing when 2-3 inches tall to reduce competition.
Vegetative Growth
20-30 daysRapid expansion of leaf production; stems thicken and leaves develop the characteristic savoyed texture. Plant builds substantial foliage canopy.
Water consistently to support leaf growth. Apply balanced fertilizer every 3-4 weeks or use compost mulch. Thin again if needed to ensure adequate spacing.
Leaf Development
15-25 daysOuter leaves reach full size and mature coloration; new leaves continue to emerge from the center. Plant becomes increasingly productive.
Begin harvesting outer leaves once they reach 6-8 inches long to encourage continued production. Maintain consistent watering and fertility. Mulch to retain soil moisture.
Peak Production
30-60+ daysPlant reaches mature size with abundant large, glossy leaves and thick white stems. Continues producing new leaves steadily.
Harvest regularly by removing outer leaves; this extends the productive season and prevents bolting. Continue watering and fertilizing. Monitor for pests and disease.
Declining Production & Bolting
Variable; extends into fall/winter in cool climatesFlowering stem begins to emerge from center; leaf size may diminish and flavor becomes more bitter. Plant nearing end of productive life.
Cut off flower stalks if further leaf harvest is desired, though productivity will eventually decline. Plan succession planting for continuous supply. Pull plant when production ceases.
Common Pests
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Remove and destroy affected leaves. Cover young plants with row covers. Use spinosad spray if infestation is severe. Encourage parasitic wasps.
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Spray with strong water stream to dislodge. Use insecticidal soap or neem oil. Introduce ladybugs or lacewings. Remove heavily infested leaves.
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Use row covers on seedlings. Apply kaolin clay spray. Neem oil is effective. Remove and destroy heavily damaged leaves. Avoid overhead watering which promotes moisture-loving conditions.
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and
(Gastropoda class)
Remove by hand (especially at dusk). Create barriers with diatomaceous earth or copper tape. Beer traps are effective. Reduce mulch depth near plants if excessive moisture present.
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Remove infected leaves. Improve air circulation by spacing adequately and pruning lower leaves. Avoid overhead watering. Apply fungicide if disease spreads rapidly.
Uses
Leafy Greens for Cooking & Salads
CulinarySwiss chard is a nutritious cooking green used in sautés, soups, pasta dishes, and fresh salads. The tender leaves provide a mild flavor with slight earthiness, while stems offer a pleasant crunch and subtle sweetness. [source]
Stem & Leaf Utilization
CulinaryUnlike spinach, chard stems are edible and delicious. Harvest and cook stems and leaves separately—stems require slightly longer cooking. The thick white stems of Fordhook Giant are especially prized for their tender texture. [source]
Mineral & Antioxidant Rich
MedicinalSwiss chard is exceptionally rich in vitamins K, A, and C, plus minerals like magnesium, potassium, and iron. Regular consumption supports bone health, immune function, and cardiovascular health. [source]
Long-Term Cold Storage
HouseholdFordhook Giant chard stores well in refrigerator for 5-7 days when harvested in the morning and kept in plastic bags. Blanch and freeze for longer storage lasting several months. [source]
Pollinator & Beneficial Insect Support
WildlifeIf allowed to flower, chard attracts bees and other pollinators. Flowering plants also provide food for parasitic wasps that control garden pests. [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 they reach 6-8 inches long (approximately 30-40 days from planting). Pinch or cut leaves from the outside of the plant, leaving the tender center leaves to continue growing. This 'cut-and-come-again' method encourages continued production over weeks or months. Harvest more frequently in summer to prevent bolting. For baby leaf harvesting, cut entire plants at 4-6 weeks. Morning harvest after dew dries provides best flavor and water content. Chard tolerates light frosts and actually improves in flavor after cold temperatures.
Fun Facts
- 🌱 Swiss chard is not actually from Switzerland—the name likely comes from its resemblance to a Swiss turnip (Mangold) or because Swiss seed companies popularized it commercially in the 19th century.
- 🌱 Fordhook Giant was developed by the Burpee seed company and introduced in the early 20th century. It remains one of the most widely grown and reliable chard varieties due to its vigorous growth and consistent productivity.
- 🌱 A single chard plant can produce leaves continuously for 2-4 months or longer in cool climates, making it one of the most productive vegetables per plant in a home garden.
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