Grow big, bold greens that keep on giving!
Fordhook Giant is the granddaddy of Swiss chard, broad, crinkled leaves, thick white stems, and a flavor that holds up beautifully in the kitchen. This cold-hardy classic is a garden workhorse, producing generous harvests of leafy goodness that’s perfect for cooking, freezing, and feeding the whole family.
Variety: Fordhook Giant Swiss Chard (Beta vulgaris)
Growth Habit: Cool-season biennial (grown as annual)
Height: 18–24 inches
Flavor Profile: Mild, earthy, and slightly sweet
Color: Deep green leaves with thick white stems
Planting Conditions: Full sun to partial shade; well-drained soil
Harvest Timeline: 50–60 days to maturity
Uses: Sautés, soups, casseroles, freezing
Disease Resistance: Tolerant of cold and light frost
Fun Fact: An All-America Selections winner, Fordhook Giant is prized for its resilience and flavor across generations.
Fordhook Giant is your go-to green for hearty meals and winter prep. The leaves are tender yet substantial, perfect for wilting into soups or layering into casseroles. And those thick stems? Delicious when chopped and sautéed like celery. It’s a favorite among gardeners who love to cook in big batches and stash away greens for the colder months.
To Full Size
🌞 Choose a Sunny Spot: Prefers full sun but handles partial shade like a champ.
🌱 Sow the Seeds: Direct sow ½ inch deep, spacing seeds 2 inches apart.
💧 Water Regularly: Keep soil evenly moist, especially during dry spells.
🌿 Thin and Maintain: Thin seedlings to 8–10 inches apart for full, lush growth.
✂️ Harvest: Snip outer leaves as needed or cut the whole plant for a big harvest. It’ll regrow for multiple pickings!
