Swiss chard Fordhook - McKenzie Seeds

Beta vulgaris

Fordhook Giant Swiss Chard is the perfect green to grow, even in hot weather. The broad, dark green leaves have a delicate spinach flavor. Stems are broad, thick and white in color. Both the stalks and leaves are edible, making for delicious salads and quiche. It also goes well frozen or steamed with butter.

Approx. 80-100 seeds

Sow in outdoor rows as soon as the ground can be worked. Place one seed every 3 inches and cover firmly with soil. Prefers full sun. Thin to 6 inches apart when plants are 3 inches tall. Use thinnings as fresh greens. Keep plants heavily mulched and moist.

Planting Depth: 1.3 cm (1/2")

Planting Spacing: 25 cm (10")

Row Spacing: 45 cm (18")

Leaves can be picked at any time or cut leaf stalks just above ground level and the plant will continue to produce all season long.

Preparation Ideas: Rinse and clean leaves in water. Shake leaves to remove water. Let leaves dry on kitchen towel or paper toweling. Heat olive oil in frying pan. Add sliced or chopped garlic and cook garlic until tender and fragrant. Tear or cut swiss chard leaves into pieces. You can cut out and remove the stalks from the leaves if they are thick or your can chop the stalks into 1" pieces and pre sauté in the olive oil/garlic mixture. Fry stalks until tender (approximately 5 minutes). Lower heat add leaf pieces and fry leaves for approximately 5 minutes or until desired doneness. Stir constantly and serve immediately.