Introduction and history
Fordhook Swiss Chard (Beta vulgaris subsp. vulgaris), also known as silverbeet or leaf beet, is a vibrant leafy green beloved by South African gardeners and cooks alike. Despite its common name, Swiss chard actually hails from the Mediterranean region, where it has been cultivated for centuries for its nutritious leaves and colourful stems. It found its way into gardens worldwide and remains a staple for home growers due to its ease of cultivation and versatility in the kitchen.
In South Africa, Fordhook Swiss Chard is popular because it thrives in a variety of climates, from coastal to inland gardens, and can be harvested multiple times throughout the growing season. Its strikingly colourful stalks brighten up any garden bed or container, making it as much a feast for the eyes as the palate. Whether you’re a seasoned gardener or just starting out, this leafy green is a fantastic addition for both food and garden vitality.
💊 Medicinal Benefits
- May support bone health thanks to its rich vitamin K content
- Traditionally used to aid digestion and improve gut health
- Contains antioxidants like lutein and zeaxanthin which may support eye health
- Rich in vitamins A and C, which may help bolster the immune system
📅 When to Plant in South Africa
| Province | Best sowing months | Best transplanting months | Notes |
|——————–|—————————|—————————|————————————-|
| Western Cape | August – October | September – November | Coastal mild winters, frost occasional |
| Eastern Cape | September – November | October – December | Coastal and inland zones, moderate heat |
| Northern Cape , | September – October | October – November | Hot and dry, protect seedlings from heat|
| Free State | September – October | October – November | Frost risk, start indoors if early |
| KwaZulu-Natal | August – October | September – November | Humid coastal, partial shade helpful |
| Gauteng | September – October | October – November | Frost risk, indoor start recommended |
| Mpumalanga | August – October | September – November | Warm inland, consistent watering needed |
| Limpopo | August – October | September – November | Hot and dry, shade seedlings midday |
| North West | September – October | October – November | Frost risk, protect young plants |
🏡 Where to Plant
Fordhook Swiss Chard does well in both garden beds and containers. It prefers ground planting where roots have room to spread but will thrive in containers at least 25cm deep and wide. Containers are perfect for urban gardens or patios, provided they get enough sunlight and regular watering. In cooler regions or during early spring, starting seedlings in a greenhouse or sunny windowsill can give them a good head start. Protect young plants from strong winds, especially in exposed areas, as chard leaves can be delicate.
🌞 Soil, Water & Sunlight Requirements
✅ Soil: Well-draining soil rich in organic matter is best. Add compost or well-rotted manure before planting to boost fertility.
✅ Sunlight: Prefers full sun to partial shade. In hot inland areas, afternoon shade helps prevent bolting.
✅ Water: Regular watering is essential to keep soil consistently moist but not waterlogged. Mulch helps retain moisture.
✅ Fertilize: Feed every 3–4 weeks with a balanced fertilizer or organic alternatives like compost tea.
✅ Spacing: Plant 30–45cm (12–18 inches) apart to allow good airflow and leaf development.
✅ Seeds germinate: Typically take 7–14 days at temperatures between 15–21°C.
✅ Transplanting: Transplant seedlings at 4–6 weeks old after hardening off by gradually exposing them to outdoor conditions over a week.
✅ Maturity height: Usually grows between 30–60cm tall.
✅ Varieties of the vegetable and easiest/hardest one to grow:
– Easiest: Fordhook Swiss Chard (reliable, vigorous growth)
– Other popular varieties: Bright Lights (colourful stems), Rhubarb Chard (red stems), Lucullus (green leaves)
– Hardest: Some ornamental chard varieties with delicate leaves may require more care.
🍓 Flowers & Fruit
Swiss chard is primarily grown for its leaves rather than flowers or fruit. However, if allowed to bolt (flower), the taste becomes bitter and the leaves toughen. Bolting is triggered by heat and long days. To prevent this, keep plants well-watered, provide afternoon shade in hot climates, and harvest leaves regularly to encourage new growth. If flowering starts, remove flower stalks promptly to extend the leaf harvest.
🌼 Companion Plants
- Tomatoes: Benefit from chard’s nutrient uptake and pest deterrence
- Carrots: Good soil layering, roots occupy different depths
- Lettuce: Similar water needs and shade from chard leaves
- Beans: Fix nitrogen improving soil fertility
- Onions: Help repel aphids and other pests
- Nasturtiums: Trap pests away from chard
- Marigolds: Attract beneficial insects and repel nematodes
- Avoid planting near potatoes (may share pests) and fennel (inhibits growth of many plants)
🐛 Common Pests
- Aphids: Use neem oil spray or insecticidal soap
- Flea beetles: Handpick or use row covers to protect seedlings
- Leaf miners: Remove affected leaves and encourage natural predators like parasitic wasps
- General prevention: Maintain healthy plants, encourage ladybugs and lacewings, avoid overcrowding
🧺 Harvesting
Harvest Fordhook Swiss Chard leaves when they are young and tender, about 60–75 days after sowing. Pick outer leaves first by cutting 5cm above the base to allow continual growth (“cut-and-come-again” method). Early morning harvesting is best to maintain freshness. Regular harvesting encourages new leaf production and prolongs the season.
🫙 Storage
For fresh use, store chard in the fridge wrapped in a damp paper towel or upright in a jar with a little water like cut flowers. Use within 3–5 days for best flavour and texture. Chard can also be blanched and frozen to preserve nutrients for longer-term storage. Drying is less common but possible for use in herbal teas or cooking powders.
🧪 How to Use as Medicine
- Infusion: Steep 1–2 teaspoons of fresh or dried leaves in a cup of boiling water for 10 minutes; drink as a mild digestive aid.
- Steam: Steam leaves and inhale vapours to soothe mild respiratory discomfort.
- Poultice: Crush fresh leaves and apply gently to minor skin irritations (test for allergies first).
- Start with small amounts and observe your body’s reaction.
- Avoid use during pregnancy or if prone to kidney stones due to oxalate content. Always consult a healthcare professional before use.
💊 Benefits of eating organic verses store bought
- Fresher taste and better texture from homegrown or organic sources
- Lower risk of pesticide residues on leaves
- Supports soil health through organic growing practices
- Encourages biodiversity in your garden environment
- Promotes local growers and sustainable agriculture
- Often richer in nutrients due to healthier soil
- Reduces environmental footprint from transport and packaging
🎉 Fun Fact
Swiss chard is not Swiss at all! Its name comes from the Swiss botanist who first classified it, but the plant is native to the Mediterranean region.
⚠️ Caution
Fordhook Swiss Chard contains oxalates, which may aggravate kidney stones or certain mineral absorption issues if consumed in excess. People with kidney problems, pregnant or breastfeeding women, or those on blood-thinning medication should consult a qualified health professional before using chard medicinally. Always test for allergies when trying new plants.
📣 Call to action
Share your favorite recipe/remedy that uses Fordhook Swiss Chard 👇
