{"product_id":"50-fordhook-swiss-chard-seeds-heirloom-white-stem-heat-tolerant","title":"50 Fordhook Swiss Chard Seeds – Heirloom White Stem, Heat Tolerant","description":"\u003cp\u003eFordhook 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eWhether 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003ch2\u003ePlant Features\u003c\/h2\u003e\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eHeirloom variety with broad, tender leaves and thick white stems\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eHeat tolerant and slow to bolt, ideal for summer growing\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eMild, earthy flavor suitable for fresh or cooked dishes\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eVigorous growth habit with a long harvest period\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eAttractive white stems contrast nicely with dark green leaves\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\u003ch2\u003eGrowing Information\u003c\/h2\u003e\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eBotanical Name:\u003c\/strong\u003e Beta vulgaris subsp. vulgaris\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003ePlant Type:\u003c\/strong\u003e Biennial grown as annual\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eSunlight:\u003c\/strong\u003e Full sun to partial shade\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eSoil:\u003c\/strong\u003e Well-drained, fertile soil rich in organic matter\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eWater Requirements:\u003c\/strong\u003e Moderate; keep soil consistently moist\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eGrowth Habit:\u003c\/strong\u003e Upright rosette\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eUSDA Hardiness Zones:\u003c\/strong\u003e 2-11 (grown as annual)\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eDays to Maturity:\u003c\/strong\u003e 50-60 days\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eSpacing:\u003c\/strong\u003e 6-12 inches apart\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\u003ch2\u003ePlanting \u0026amp; Care\u003c\/h2\u003e\u003cp\u003eSow 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eHarvest 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003ch2\u003eWhat's Included\u003c\/h2\u003e\u003cp\u003e50 Fordhook Swiss Chard seeds.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Blake's Flora \u0026 Soil","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":67862009872694,"sku":"FSG-185","price":11.67,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0994\/4884\/8694\/files\/il_fullxfull.7597867884_dyov.jpg?v=1793267796","url":"https:\/\/blakesflora.com\/products\/50-fordhook-swiss-chard-seeds-heirloom-white-stem-heat-tolerant","provider":"Blake's Flora \u0026 Soil","version":"1.0","type":"link"}