Swiss Chard- Fordhook Giant-Heirloom- Non GMO

Fordhook Giant Swiss Chard

Grow an abundant, long-lasting supply of leafy greens with Fordhook Giant Swiss Chard Seeds from Mai’s Family.

Fordhook Giant is a classic heirloom, Non-GMO Swiss chard variety recognized for its large, deeply savoyed dark green leaves, contrasting white veins and broad, sturdy white stems. Mature plants develop an upright growth habit and commonly reach approximately 22–27 inches tall under suitable growing conditions.

This productive variety may be harvested at several stages. Pick young leaves for baby greens or allow the plants to mature for larger leaves and substantial white stalks.

Unlike vegetables harvested as a single head, Swiss chard supports cut-and-come-again harvesting. Removing mature outer leaves while leaving the center intact allows younger leaves to continue growing.

Product Highlights

• Heirloom Fordhook Giant Swiss Chard
• Non-GMO vegetable seeds
• Botanical name: Beta vulgaris var. cicla
• Large, dark green, deeply savoyed leaves
• Broad white stems and contrasting white veins
• Upright plants commonly reach approximately 22–27 inches
• Baby leaves may be harvested in approximately 25 days
• Mature leaves are generally ready in approximately 50–58 days
• Suitable for repeated outer-leaf harvesting
• Tolerates cool conditions and light frost
• More tolerant of summer warmth than many leafy greens
• Suitable for gardens, raised beds and outdoor containers
• Grows in full sun or partial shade
• Suitable for spring, summer and fall harvesting

Plant Profile

Common Name	Swiss Chard
Variety	Fordhook Giant
Botanical Name	Beta vulgaris var. cicla
Plant Family	Amaranthaceae
Botanical Order	Caryophyllales
Cultivar Type	Heirloom
Seed Type	Non-GMO
Life Cycle	Biennial; commonly grown as an annual vegetable
Growth Habit	Upright
Leaf Color	Dark green
Stem and Rib Color	White
Leaf Texture	Thick and deeply savoyed
Mature Height	Approximately 22–27 inches
Mature Spread	Approximately 12–18 inches
Baby Leaf Harvest	Approximately 25 days
Mature Harvest	Approximately 50–58 days
Typical Germination Time	Approximately 7–14 days
Planting Depth	Approximately 1/4–1/2 inch
Plant Spacing	Approximately 6–12 inches
Row Spacing	Approximately 18–30 inches
Sunlight	Full sun to partial shade
Water Needs	Moderate and consistent
Soil Preference	Fertile, loamy and well-drained
Preferred Soil pH	Approximately 6.0–7.0
Planting Season	Spring, late summer and fall
USDA Zones	Zones 2–11 when grown as an annual crop
Container Suitable	Yes

Why Grow Fordhook Giant Swiss Chard?

Fordhook Giant is a dependable choice for gardeners who want an extended harvest rather than a single crop.

The large plants produce both edible leaves and substantial white stalks. Leaves can be collected young or left to reach full size, allowing one planting to supply several styles of harvest.

Swiss chard can continue producing through summer after cool-season spinach has declined. Established plants also tolerate light frost, extending the harvest into fall in many climates.

Its dark green foliage and contrasting white stems make Fordhook Giant attractive enough for edible landscapes, mixed garden borders and decorative containers.

Swiss Chard vs. Spinach

Swiss chard is not spinach. It is botanically related to beets but is cultivated primarily for its edible leaves and stems.

Both vegetables can be used as leafy greens, but Swiss chard generally tolerates summer warmth better than spinach. This makes Fordhook Giant useful for gardeners who want continued leaf production through a longer growing season.

When to Plant

Direct sow Swiss chard outdoors in early spring when the soil can be worked. Seeds may be planted several weeks before the expected final spring frost.

For a fall crop, sow again in late summer and allow approximately 50–75 days before the first expected hard freeze.

In mild climates, Swiss chard may be grown during fall and winter. Planting dates should be adjusted according to local temperatures.

Very cold conditions during early seedling development can sometimes encourage premature flowering. Protect tender seedlings from prolonged freezing weather.

Understanding Swiss Chard Seeds

Swiss chard “seeds” are naturally clustered fruits commonly called seed balls. Each seed ball may contain several embryos and can produce more than one seedling.

Multiple seedlings emerging from one planted seed ball are normal and do not indicate mixed or incorrect seeds.

Thin crowded seedlings after emergence to provide adequate room for the strongest plants.

Seed Preparation

No special seed treatment is required. Seeds may be planted directly from the packet.

An optional short pre-soak in room-temperature water may help soften the outer seed ball, but it is not necessary for successful germination.

Important: Never use boiling or excessively hot water because high temperatures can damage the embryos.

Direct-Sowing Instructions

1. Select a location receiving full sun or partial shade.
2. Prepare fertile, loose and well-drained soil.
3. Sow the seed balls approximately 1/4–1/2 inch deep.
4. Space the initial planting approximately 2 inches apart.
5. Cover lightly with fine soil and water gently.
6. Keep the soil consistently moist during germination.
7. When seedlings reach approximately 2 inches tall, thin them to 6–12 inches apart.
8. Allow approximately 18–30 inches between traditional garden rows.
9. Use wider spacing for larger plants or closer spacing for smaller leaves.

Starting Seeds Indoors

Seeds may be started indoors approximately 5–6 weeks before transplanting.

Sow into individual cells or small containers filled with moist, well-draining seed-starting mix. Plant approximately 1/4–1/2 inch deep and maintain consistent moisture.

After seedlings emerge, provide bright light and good air circulation.

Harden seedlings gradually before transplanting. Introduce them to outdoor sunlight, wind and temperatures over several days. Minimize root disturbance while transplanting.

Sunlight Requirements

Fordhook Giant performs best with approximately 6–8 hours of direct sunlight per day.

It can tolerate partial shade, especially in regions with hot summers. Plants grown with insufficient light may develop more slowly and produce smaller leaves.

In very warm climates, light afternoon shade may help protect leaf quality.

Soil and Drainage

Plant Swiss chard in fertile, well-drained soil containing organic matter.

A slightly acidic to neutral soil pH of approximately 6.0–7.0 is suitable. Compost may be incorporated before planting to improve soil structure, fertility and moisture retention.

Avoid locations that remain constantly waterlogged. Poor drainage can stress the roots and contribute to yellowing or weak growth.

Watering

Keep the soil consistently moist during germination and early plant development.

Once established, water deeply whenever the upper soil begins to dry. Consistent moisture supports tender leaves and steady production.

Avoid allowing the soil to alternate repeatedly between extremely dry and saturated conditions. Mulching around established plants can help conserve moisture and reduce weed growth.

Fertilizing

Swiss chard performs best in fertile soil.

Incorporate finished compost or an appropriate garden fertilizer before planting. Additional light feeding may be beneficial during an extended harvesting season, especially in containers or nutrient-poor soil.

Avoid excessive fertilizer application and always follow the directions provided with the selected product.

Growing in Containers

Fordhook Giant Swiss Chard can be grown in large outdoor containers with adequate drainage.

Choose a container deep enough to support the root system and provide sufficient space between mature plants. Fill it with fertile, well-draining potting mix.

Place the container in full sun or partial shade. Container-grown Swiss chard may require more frequent watering because potting mix dries faster than garden soil.

Never allow the container to remain in standing water.

Harvesting Baby Leaves

Baby leaves may be harvested when they reach a usable size, commonly around 25 days after planting.

Use clean scissors or garden shears and avoid damaging the central growing point.

Young leaves provide an earlier harvest, but frequent baby-leaf harvesting may reduce the amount of foliage available for full-size production.

Harvesting Mature Leaves

Mature leaves are generally ready in approximately 50–58 days, depending on temperature, sunlight, soil fertility and growing conditions.

Harvest the largest outer leaves near the base of the plant. Leave several center leaves and the central crown intact so the plant can continue producing.

Regular harvesting encourages additional leaf growth and prevents mature leaves from becoming excessively large.

Culinary Uses

Fordhook Giant Swiss Chard produces edible leaves and stems.

Young leaves may be used as tender greens. Mature leaves can be sautéed, steamed, braised or added to soups, stews, casseroles and other cooked dishes.

The broad white stems may require additional cooking time compared with the leaves. For more even cooking, separate the stems from the leaf blades and begin cooking the stems first.

Wash harvested leaves and stems thoroughly before culinary use.

Common Growing Problems

Crowded Seedlings: Swiss chard seed balls can produce several seedlings. Thin crowded clusters after emergence.

Slow Germination: Check soil temperature, moisture and planting depth. Cold or waterlogged soil may delay emergence.

Small Leaves: Provide sufficient sunlight, fertile soil, consistent moisture and adequate plant spacing.

Yellowing Leaves: Check for excessive watering, poor drainage, nutrient deficiency or normal aging of the oldest leaves.

Leafminer Damage: Inspect leaves for pale trails or blotches. Remove heavily affected leaves and monitor young plants regularly.

Flea Beetles or Aphids: Check both sides of the leaves and maintain good garden sanitation.

Premature Flowering: Prolonged cold exposure during early growth may encourage bolting.

End-of-Season Care

Swiss chard is botanically biennial but is usually grown as an annual vegetable.

In mild climates, established plants may survive winter and produce additional leaves. Plants that overwinter may eventually send up a flower stalk during their second growing season.

Remove plants after production ends or before flowering if seed production is not desired.

Package Contents

• One packet of Fordhook Giant Swiss Chard seeds
• Heirloom, Non-GMO variety
• Seeds only
• Live plants, containers, soil and gardening supplies are not included

Natural Seed Notice

Seed germination and plant performance depend on temperature, moisture, planting depth, soil quality, sunlight, climate, seed storage and individual gardening practices.

Because Swiss chard seed balls naturally contain multiple embryos, the number of seedlings that emerge may differ from the number of seed balls planted.

Germination of every individual seed ball cannot be guaranteed.