Silverbeet (Beta vulgaris), also called Swiss Chard, is a tough and colourful leafy green perfect for Australian winters. Its large, glossy leaves and colourful stems make it a beautiful and useful addition to vegetable gardens. Silverbeet thrives in cooler weather, and with proper care, you can harvest fresh leaves for months.
In this guide, you’ll learn about the best silverbeet varieties for winter, how to grow them, their unique flavours, and tasty ways to cook them at home.
Table of Contents
🌈 Best Silverbeet Varieties for Winter
These varieties are hardy and productive in cool conditions:
- Fordhook Giant – Classic silverbeet with broad, dark green leaves and thick white stems. Reliable and productive.
- Ruby Chard – Vibrant red stems with deep green leaves. Slightly earthy flavour and stunning colour.
- Rainbow Chard – A mix of colourful stems in red, yellow, orange, and pink. Very ornamental and equally edible.
🌿 Taste & Texture of Each Variety
| Variety | Flavour | Texture | Best Uses |
|---|---|---|---|
| Fordhook Giant | Mild and slightly salty | Tender leaves, crunchy stems | Steamed, stir-fried, soups |
| Ruby Chard | Earthy with a hint of beetroot flavour | Firm leaves, vibrant red stems | Sautéed, pies, mixed greens |
| Rainbow Chard | Varied flavour, from mild to slightly bitter | Colourful, soft to firm textures | Frittatas, pasta, gratins |
🧑🌾 How to Grow Silverbeet in Winter
| Step | Details |
|---|---|
| Soil | Loamy, well-drained, with compost or manure. pH 6.2–7.5. |
| Planting | Sow direct or transplant. Sow 1.5 cm deep, thin to 20–30 cm apart. |
| Sunlight | Full sun to part shade. Grows well even in low light. |
| Water | Keep moist but not soggy. Water regularly in dry spells. |
| Feeding | Feed monthly with a liquid fertiliser or seaweed solution. |
| Harvesting | Pick outer leaves once they reach 20–30 cm. Keep centre growing for ongoing harvest. |
✂️ When and How to Harvest
- Baby Leaves: Ready in 4–5 weeks. Great for salad mixes or light cooking.
- Mature Plants: Harvest regularly to keep plants producing over 3–4 months.
- Cut-and-Come-Again: Pick outer leaves and leave the crown intact for fresh growth.
🍳 Delicious Silverbeet Recipes
🥧 Silverbeet & Ricotta Pie
- Sauté chopped silverbeet, then mix with ricotta, eggs, nutmeg, and herbs
- Layer in pastry and bake until golden
🥘 Silverbeet with Garlic and Lemon
- Lightly steam leaves and stems
- Sauté with olive oil, garlic, and lemon juice
🍝 Silverbeet & Feta Pasta Bake
- Mix chopped silverbeet with cooked pasta, feta, and tomato sauce
- Bake until bubbly and golden
❓ FAQs About Growing Silverbeet
Can I grow silverbeet in containers?
Yes, use deep pots with good drainage. Great for balconies and small spaces.
Does silverbeet survive frost?
Yes — it’s one of the most cold-hardy greens. Leaves may even taste sweeter after frost.
Is silverbeet the same as spinach?
No — silverbeet is related to beetroot and has thicker leaves and stems. It’s often called “spinach” in Australia, but they’redifferent species.
What are the best companions for silverbeet?
Onions, beans, cabbages, and radishes grow well nearby. Avoid planting next to potatoes.
How long does it take to grow silverbeet?
Baby leaves in 4–5 weeks, full-size leaves in 8–10 weeks. Plants can produce for months with regular picking.
🛒 Want fresh greens all winter?
🪴 Explore our silverbeet seeds here and bring colour to your winter garden!
