Fordhook Giant Swiss Chard – 100 Seeds

Fordhook Giant Swiss Chard (Beta vulgaris subsp. circla) - 100 Seeds •Heirloom•Non-GMO•American grown seeds•Sow 2-3 weeks before last spring frost to 2 months before first fall frost.•Mild climates can sow in the fallDescription:'Fordhook Giant' is an old favorite with its broad, strong stems and large leaves packed with vitamins and minerals. A vigorous grower with a long growing season, it will provide fresh greens from early summer into fall, and year-round in mild climates. White stem varieties are generally more bolt and cold tolerant and more productive than colored stem varieties. Young leaves are great for salads. Glows in containers as an ornamental.Growing Instructions:Start outdoors as early as 2 to 4 weeks before your average last frost date when soil temperature is at least 40°F. Ideal soil temps are 75°–90°F. Sow as late as 2 months before first fall frost. In mild climates, you can sow in the fall. Sow 2-3 seeds in a group every 6-8" half an inch deep in a soil with an ideal pH level between 6 and 6.4. When seedlings reach 1/2" tall thin to 1 plant every 8". Keep 18" between rows to allow enough room for growth. Indoors start, sow 4 to 6 weeks before transplanting out, as early as 2 to 4 weeks before your average last frost date. The Fordhook Giant will do best with full or partial sun and will need to be watered evenly. Pick up to 1/3 of the outer leaves as needed, and let more leaves grow from the center of the plant; or, if desired, harvest the whole plant 2" above ground, and it will grow back. Pick very young leaves, at 2"-4" for using fresh in salads.