Silverbeet Fordhook Giant ( Beta vulgaris ) is an open pollinated variety that has been widely grown since its introduction in 1924. Fordhook is a popular variety for its full flavour, crinkled green leaves and contrasting white stalks. with great taste, nice thick crispy stalks, and a tightly folded heart, it is a popular choice for its reliability and its resistance to disease.
Silverbeet Fordhook is less of a spinach and is actually a relative to the beetroot, and is used in soups, stews, juices and salads. It also offers a range of health benefits and is high in dietary fibre, iron and Vitamins A, C, E and K.
Plants of the Beta vulgaris genus are excellent companion plants. Silverbeet combines well with Beans, Lavender, Marigold, Beans, Lettuce, Rosemary, Garlic, Kale, Thyme, and Broccoli.
For other types of Silverbeet check out our Ruby Red and Rainbow varieties.
Growth
Silverbeet Fordhook or Beta vulgaris is a biennial vegetable that grows to approximately 60-75 cm’s in height. They prefer nutrient rich soil that has some sand mixed through. Sow seeds directly into the ground when frosts have passed or all year in warmer climates. In ideal conditions, Silverbeet can grow quickly but young plants are attractive to snails and slugs and should be protected.
We always recommend growing your food organically, so when fertilising or trying to keep pests under control, keep in mind that there are always organic options. Your body and family will thank you!
Silverbeet can be grown in containers / pots but requires enough space to allow roots to develop.
Note: Germination instructions can be found in the ‘Germination Instructions Tab’ below. Upon purchase you will receive these detailed instructions via email so that you have a permanent record.
FAMILY:
Amaranthaceae
CLIMATE:
Cold to Tropical
TEMPERATURE RANGE:
10 to 30°C / 50 to 85°F can withstand light frosts and hot temperatures for short periods.
SOIL TYPE:
Soil should be loose and well-draining.
LOCATION:
Full sun will tolerate some shade.
HEIGHT:
Up to 75 cm’s (30 inch) above ground
WIDTH:
Up to 30 cm’s (12 inches)
pH:
6.0-7.5
GROWTH TYPE:
Biennial
WATER REQUIREMENTS:
Medium
POLLINATION:
Pollinated by Wind, Open Pollination
MATURITY:
Average 55-60 days
GERMINATION RATES:
92%
GERMINATION TIME:
7-10 days at temperatures between 14-22°C / 57-72°F
GERMINATION DIFFICULTY:
Easy
SEEDS PER GRAM:
Approximately 50
MEDICINAL QUALITIES:
Yes
WEED POTENTIAL:
No
EDIBLE:
Yes
SEED STORAGE & VIABILITY:
Cold Storage at 4°C (Fridge) up to 4 years.
FACTS ABOUT BETA VULGARIS (Silverbeet)
The Silverbeet Fordhook variety was first introduced to the public by the Burpee Seed Company in 1924.
Silverbeet is believed to have originated in the northern colder regions of Italy.
