50 Fordhook Swiss Chard Seeds – Heirloom White Stem, Heat Tolerant

Fordhook Swiss Chard is a classic heirloom variety prized for its broad, tender leaves and thick, crisp white stems. This versatile leafy green adds both beauty and productivity to vegetable gardens, raised beds, and container plantings. Its mild, slightly earthy flavor is perfect for fresh salads, sautéing, and adding to soups and stews. Fordhook is known for its tolerance to heat, making it a reliable choice for gardeners in warmer climates or for succession planting throughout the growing season.

Whether you're a seasoned gardener or just starting out, Fordhook Swiss Chard is easy to grow and offers a long harvest window. The plants are vigorous and can be harvested leaf by leaf, allowing you to enjoy fresh greens over an extended period. With its striking white stems and deep green leaves, it also makes an attractive addition to ornamental edible gardens.

Plant Features

• Heirloom variety with broad, tender leaves and thick white stems
• Heat tolerant and slow to bolt, ideal for summer growing
• Mild, earthy flavor suitable for fresh or cooked dishes
• Vigorous growth habit with a long harvest period
• Attractive white stems contrast nicely with dark green leaves

Growing Information

• Botanical Name: Beta vulgaris subsp. vulgaris
• Plant Type: Biennial grown as annual
• Sunlight: Full sun to partial shade
• Soil: Well-drained, fertile soil rich in organic matter
• Water Requirements: Moderate; keep soil consistently moist
• Growth Habit: Upright rosette
• USDA Hardiness Zones: 2-11 (grown as annual)
• Days to Maturity: 50-60 days
• Spacing: 6-12 inches apart

Planting & Care

Sow Fordhook Swiss Chard seeds directly in the garden about 2-4 weeks before the last frost date, or start indoors 4-6 weeks earlier for an early start. Plant seeds ½ inch deep and 2-3 inches apart, thinning seedlings to 6-12 inches apart once they are established. Chard prefers consistent moisture and benefits from a layer of mulch to keep soil cool and moist. Fertilize lightly if soil is poor.

Harvest outer leaves when they are young and tender, or wait for larger leaves. Regular harvesting encourages new growth. Fordhook is relatively pest-free and disease-resistant, making it a low-maintenance choice for any garden.

What's Included

50 Fordhook Swiss Chard seeds.