Packed full of flavour and vitamins silverbeet can be grown all year round and a must have in the vegetable garden. Why not plant some of the mixed colours available for added interest in the garden.
Planting Calendar
With various varieties to choose from silverbeet can be grown throughout the year.
Harvest In
40-60 days
Pick smaller young leaves to use in salads. Regular picking will encourage new leaves to be produced. Harvest the lower outer leaves first.
Prepare
Position
Silver beet like a free draining rich soil and lots of sun.
Soil
When planted into the ground silverbeet likes a free draining soil that is rich in organic matter. To improve the organic content in your soil, break up the soil and add Kings Compost and Kings Sheep Pellets along with some Nature's Organic fertiliser then mix together well. When growing in containers, plant into Living Earth Organic Vegetable Mix with Saturaid added to assist with dispersing water down to the roots.
Plant
Silverbeet can be sown directly into the garden, raised beds or containers that are at least 30cm deep. Or sown into a seed tray with Organic Seed raising mix and transplanted out once they have formed their second set of leaves. Gently remove the seedling from the tray and plant into the vegetable garden. Space plants 30cm apart so they have plenty of space to grow. Take care when transplanting so that the young soft roots are not damaged. Gently firm the soil down after planting and water in well with Aquaticus Garden Booster, this will help the seedlings settle in.
Care
Watering
Silverbeet like to be kept moist, water slowly allowing the water to sink down into the roots, rather than allowing it to run off the top of the soils surface. Avoid wetting foliage when watering. Add Saturaid into the soil at planting as this will help direct water to the root zone.
Feeding
When planted in the ground liquid feed every month with Aquaticus Garden Booster, this encourages root growth and increases the microbial activity in the soil. Monthly applications of Kings Sheep Pellets and a side dressing of Nature’s Organic fertiliser will help with soil conditioning and plant health. If planted in containers feed with Kings Liquid Fast Food as per the instructions on the bottle.
Protecting
Protect young plants from Slugs and Snails by applying Quash. Re-apply after rain. Protect young seedling from birds by covering with bird netting.
Mulching
Mulch around the base of the plants (make sure that the mulch does not come into direct contact with the stem of the plant) with Living Earth More than Mulch. Mulching helps to reduce weeds as well as aiding the soil to retain moisture.
Spraying
Aphids can be an issue sometimes, if needed spray with Nature's Way Organic Citrus, Veggie & Ornamental Spray. Fungal conditions such as Leaf Spot and Mildew can affect Silver Beet. Spray for prevention rather than cure with Free Flo Copper for Fruit and Vegetables.
General Care
When using sprays, chemicals or fertilisers always read the label and follow the instructions. Apply sprays in the evening to avoid harming beneficial insects.
Expert Tip
Remember the better your soil the better your plants will be.
Top Varieties
Fordhook Giant
With its large bumpy savoy like leaves this variety is best grown in spring and summer.
Brightlights
With its vivid coloured stem brightlights can be planted all year round. It also looks great when planted as an ornamental boarder. Stems range in colour from yellow, red, orange and pink.
