Silverbeet
Select Your Climate
![](https://www.organicgardener.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/Silverbeet_istock.jpg)
Silverbeet (or Swiss chard) can produce loads of giant paddle-like leaves for up to a year or two if the conditions are right.
Likes: Compost-rich soil, even moisture and regular feeding.
Dislikes: Very hot and humid conditions.
When to plant/sow in zone:
Sow Seed: Seeds germinate in about 10–14 days, or buy established seedlings for a quick and easy start.
How to plant: Seeds are quite large so sowing seed direct is relatively easy but prepare the seed bed to a fine tilth then plant seed around 12mm deep.
When to harvest: When big enough, harvest the outer leaves by pulling them away rather than cutting. Thinnings provide an early harvest.
Pests and diseases: Snails; Cercospora leaf spot
Suppliers: The Diggers Club Garden Express