Silverbeet Fordhook Punnet

Traditional and reliable with delicious large deep-green leaves and white stems, ‘Fordhook Giant’ is a gardener’s favourite, producing stems up to 60cm tall. If supply outstrips demand, share the outside leaves with any neighbourhood chickens, or sauté, freeze and use as spinach.

Silverbeet is the easiest vegetable to grow and can be harvested for up to 18 months. Related to beetroot, silverbeet prefers a fertile soil, in sun or part shade. Mulch and water silverbeet in dry, hot weather to prevent them from bolting (running to seed) prematurely. Additional fertilising with blood and bone will keep them growing vigorously. Harvest leaf by leaf, as needed, always leaving at least half a dozen leaves to allow the plants to keep on growing. Older plants are more tolerant of over harvesting as they can draw on their swollen roots for nourishment, but it's always best to leave more to keep the plant productive.