Silverbeet Ruby Red ( Beta vulgaris ) is an open pollinated, heirloom vegetable originally from the Mediterranean and introduced to the United States in 1857. Adapting to most climates, this chard variety produces 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 the stalks prepared similarly to Asparagus.
Silverbeet Ruby Red 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, chard 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-Fry’s.
For other varieties of Silverbeet check out our Fordhook and Rainbow Silverbeet.
Growth
Beta vulgaris or Silverbeet Ruby Red is a biennial leafy vegetable that grows to approximately 50 cm’s in height. They prefer a sandy or loamy soil with. This variety is considered mild in taste but can be sweetened if lime is added to the soil prior to sowing. Silverbeet can be sown throughout the year if the two-month harvest period won’t cross with severe frosts or extreme heat. In colder climates they can be started indoors in seed punnet’s 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 Ruby Red 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 20 cm’s (4 inches)
pH:
6.0-7.5
GROWTH TYPE:
Biennial
WATER REQUIREMENTS:
Medium
POLLINATION:
Pollinated by Wind, Open Pollination
MATURITY:
Average 60-70 days
GERMINATION RATES:
96%
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)
Aristotle described a red stalked silverbeet/chard as far back as 350 BC.
Silverbeet 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.
