SILVERBEET ‘Barese’ Vegetable Seeds
Botanical Name: Beta vulgaris (Cicla Group)
- Compact, fast-growing Italian mini chard ideal for baby-leaf harvests in tight spaces and containers.
- Glossy, dark-green spoon-shaped leaves with slender white stems—tender, sweet and mild in flavour.
- Cut-and-come-again variety: pick outer leaves regularly for continuous yields.
- Quick to mature—ready in as little as 25–35 days for baby leaf; 50–60 days for full size.
- Handles cool weather and summer heat better than many leafy greens; slow to bolt when well-watered.
- Nutrient-dense: naturally high in vitamins A, C, and K plus iron and folate.
- Great for sautéing, stir-fries, omelettes, soups, and fresh salads.
- Also known as baby silverbeet or mini Swiss chard.
Plant Details
- Plant Type: Biennial grown as an annual; compact habit to ~25–35 cm tall
Sowing Information
- Germination: 7–14 days
- Depth: 1–2 cm deep
- Position: Full sun to partial shade
- Sow Where: Direct in garden beds or large containers (≥25 cm wide)
- Soil Type: Fertile, well-drained soil, pH 6.0–7.0; enrich with compost or aged manure
- Spacing: For baby leaf: 5–10 cm between plants in 20 cm rows; For full size: 20–30 cm between plants, rows 30–40 cm apart
Growing Tips
- Keep soil evenly moist for rapid, tender growth; avoid waterlogging.
- Mulch to conserve moisture and reduce weeds; feed lightly with a balanced organic fertiliser every 3–4 weeks.
- Harvest outer leaves frequently—this encourages new growth and extends the season.
- Provide light shade or extra watering in hot spells to minimise bolting.
Harvest
Baby leaves in 25–35 days; full-size bunching in 50–60 days. Pick outer leaves as needed for ongoing production.
When to Sow Silverbeet ‘Barese’ in Your Climate
| Climate Zone | Best Planting Time | Tips |
|---|---|---|
| Temperate | March–August | Sow during cooler months. Regular watering boosts baby-leaf quality. |
| Subtropical | March–October | Best in autumn–winter. Use shade cloth if heat spikes. |
| Tropical | April–August | Grow in the coolest part of the year; mulch well to keep roots cool. |
| Cool | September–March | Spring and early autumn sowings perform best; protect seedlings from frost. |
| Arid | April–September | Sow in cooler periods; water consistently and mulch to conserve moisture. |
Click here to view full range of silverbeet/chard seeds include Rainbow Mix, Fordhook & Ruby Chard.
Click here for troubleshooting and growing tips, including controlling insects and pests.