Rainbow Silverbeet ( Beta vulgaris ) is an open pollinated, ornamental vegetable that has history dating back to the 1650s in Europe. Adapting to most climates, this chard variety produces multi-coloured stalks of white, yellow, orange, pink and red. that have bright red stalks and crumpled, dark green leaves with striking veins. The entire plant is edible with the leaves used as a substitute for spinach and the stalks prepared similarly to Asparagus.
Silverbeet can tolerate light frosts and hot summers in short periods making them adaptable to conditions all around Australia. Like all plants with the botanical name Beta vulgaris, Silverbeet is high in Iron, Magnesium and in Vitamins A and K. It’s great in soups, juices and salads and are gaining popularity when added to recipes such as quiches and Stir Frys.
For a contrast, check out our page on Silverbeet Ruby.
Growth
Beta vulgaris or Rainbow Silverbeet is a biennial leafy vegetable that grows to approximately 50 cm’s in height. They prefer a sandy or loamy soil. SIlverbeet can be sown throughout the year as long as the two-month harvest period won’t cross with severe frosts or extreme heat. In colder climates they can be started indoors in seed punnets or pots, but generally seeds are sown directly into the garden or raised bed.
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/Chard can also be grown in containers / pots as the long as it is deep enough to allow for root formation.
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 50 cm’s (20 inches) above ground
WIDTH:
Up to 12 cm’s (5 inches)
pH:
6.0-6.4
GROWTH TYPE:
Biennial
WATER REQUIREMENTS:
Medium
POLLINATION:
Pollinated by Wind, Open Pollination
MATURITY:
Average 70-80 days
GERMINATION RATES:
94%
GERMINATION TIME:
7-10 days at temperatures between 10-22°C / 50-72°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)
Aristotle described a red stalked chard as far back as 350 BC.
Silverbeet/Chard helps to reduce blood pressure, promotes healthy bones, helps prevent diabetes and assists in weight loss. Studies have also found that chard helps prevent cognitive degeneration.
There are many ways to use the leaves and stalks of silverbeet/chard; here are just a few.
All silverbeet varieties are descendants of the sea beet which grows along the Mediterranean Sea.
