Fordhook Chard Seeds

Fordhook chard is a garden giant that will surprise kids and adults alike with how large it will grow! Its flavor is just as lovable as its size. Packed full of vitamins and nutrients, this variety with white stems and dark green leaves is as beautiful as it is good for you! Best when harvested young for salads but can be harvested all season long. Plants can reach a size of up to 6″ tall if left to reseed in the garden.

Planting by Zones

Zones 9-10

• Fordhook chard is a cool-season crop that thrives in cool and moist environments; in many parts of Zones 9 and 10, it can be grown year-round.

Zones 2-8

• Sow in early March or 10–12 weeks before transplanting outdoors.

Planting Fordhook Chard Seeds

• In Zones 9 and 10, begin seeds in starter pots or direct sow in the garden. If you direct sow, be sure to keep the garden soil moist the whole time the seed is germinating. In the warm weather of Zones 9 and 10, it may be easier to start by seed in a cool and protected area.
• When planting, place seeds on top of moist high-quality seed starting soil and cover with 1/2” of finely sifted soil. Follow the same planting steps to direct sow.
• Fertilize regularly with an organic liquid fertilizer once the seedlings have germinated and have a first set of true leaves.

Growing Fordhook Chard

• Once your seedlings are 7-8 weeks old, or 5-6” tall and stocky, you can plant them in the garden. Chard is an upright plant that needs appropriate spacing. Space at least 12” apart for full plant development. If the winter remains hot, use shade cloth or row cover for protection.

Growing Fordhook Chard in Containers

• Chard is an excellent container crop. Make sure your container is at least 20” deep. Keep in mind containers will dry out faster because they have more surface area and less soil to hold onto moisture. Mulch heavily on the top layer of soil in the pot to keep the soil from drying out or heating up too much.

Harvesting Fordhook Chard

• Harvest at any length. Baby chard can be harvested for use in salads and as fresh greens. Larger leaves are tasty in soups, stir-fries, and more. Use Fordhook chard like any dark leafy green.

Southern California Pro-tips

• Can be grown year round in areas of Zones 9 and 10 but production may decrease drastically in warmer months.
• Mulch heavily around your plants to ensure the soil does not dry out or heat up too much.
• During our hottest months of August, September, and October, plants can suffer from the heat. Using shade cloth can help protect the plants from extreme heat. In particularly warm winters, you may need shade cloth all season long.

Companion Flowers/Crops

• Fordhook chard grows great between Cole crops like broccoli, cabbage, and cauliflower. Good companion flowers are cosmos, gaillardia, and borage. We love to grow our Fordhook Chard with Rainbow Chard for added color to our dishes!

Additional Learning Resources

• New to starting crops from seeds? Please watch our Seed Starting Presentation to learn the basics!
• Learn about growing all our crops on our YouTube page!
• Having pest issues? Check out in-depth information for garden pests at the UC Integrated Pest Management site.

Don’t just grow chard in your garden this year! Fill your salad bowl with tons of flavors, colors, and textures of greens. Try out our Red Sails Lettuce, Little Gem Lettuce, Marvel of Four Seasons Lettuce, Edible Red Leaf Amaranth, Mizuna Mustard, Parris Island Cos., Tatsoi, Black Seeded Simpson, New Zealand Spinach, and more! Shop all Greens here!