{"product_id":"spinach-swiss-chard-fordhook-giant","title":"Spinach Swiss Chard Fordhook Giant","description":"\u003ch1\u003eDescription\u003c\/h1\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"212\" data-end=\"598\" class=\"\"\u003eSpinach Swiss Chard Fordhook Giant (Beta vulgaris var. cicla) is a robust, high-yielding leafy green known for its large, glossy, dark green leaves and thick white stalks. Unlike true spinach, this heat-tolerant chard performs exceptionally well in South Africa’s diverse climates, from the cooler Highveld and coastal regions to warmer inland areas.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"600\" data-end=\"843\" class=\"\"\u003eThis variety is a cut-and-come-again crop, providing continuous harvests over many months when picked regularly. It thrives in both full sun and partial shade, making it adaptable to a wide range of garden spaces or containers.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"845\" data-end=\"1124\" class=\"\"\u003eFordhook Giant matures in about \u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003e60-65 days from sowing and is valued for both its culinary versatility and \u003cstrong data-start=\"964\" data-end=\"987\"\u003enutritional density\u003c\/strong\u003e. Due to its mild and slightly earthy notes it is ideal for sautéing, soups, stews, and green smoothies, offering a dependable leafy green option for home gardeners year-round.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"\" data-end=\"860\" data-start=\"581\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch1\u003eBenefits\u003c\/h1\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003eResilient\u003c\/b\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e, Productive and Versatile \u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003e \u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003e \u003cstrong\u003eTolerant of heat\u003c\/strong\u003e and partial shade, ideal for South African summers and winter rainfall regions.\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003e \u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003e Cut-and-come-again harvesting ensures long productive periods.\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003e \u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003eExcellent choice for home gardens, schools, and small-scale farms.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eInsect Repellant and Pollinator\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003e \u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003eWhile not a pollinator magnet, its dense growth suppresses weeds and deters some insect pests.\u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003e \u003cbr\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eNutritional and Medicinal \u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003e \u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003eExcellent source of\u003cstrong\u003e \u003c\/strong\u003evitamin K, vitamin A, and vitamin C –\u003cstrong\u003e supports bone health\u003c\/strong\u003e, vision, and immune system.\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003e \u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003eHigh in magnesium, iron, and antioxidants – supports energy production and reduces inflammation.\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003e \u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003eContains \u003cstrong data-start=\"1728\" data-end=\"1737\"\u003efibre\u003c\/strong\u003e to promote digestion and heart health.\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch1\u003eHow To Use\u003c\/h1\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003eSpinach Swiss Chard Fordhook Giant flourishes under the following conditions:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eSeason\u003c\/strong\u003e: Year Round\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eTemperature\u003c\/strong\u003e: 15-25°C\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eGerminate\u003c\/strong\u003e: 7-14 days\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eDepth\u003c\/strong\u003e: 10 mm\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eSpacing\u003c\/strong\u003e: 7x30 cm\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eHarvest\u003c\/strong\u003e: 60-65 days\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eHeight\u003c\/strong\u003e: 60-70 cm\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eFlowering Season\u003c\/strong\u003e: Late summer if allowed to bolt\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eExposure\u003c\/strong\u003e: \u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003eFull sun to partial shade (minimum 4–6 hours)\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eIdeal Growing Environment \u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003e \u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003ePrefers a well drained \u003ca title=\"Substrate\" href=\"https:\/\/greenhouston.co.za\/products\/category\/soil\/substrate\"\u003esubstrate\u003c\/a\u003e with \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/greenhouston.co.za\/products\/tags\/?tag=Amendment\" title=\"Amendments\"\u003eamendments\u003c\/a\u003e or \u003ca title=\"Craft Soil\" href=\"https:\/\/greenhouston.co.za\/products\/tags\/?tag=Craft%20Soil\"\u003epre-made soil\u003c\/a\u003e containing all the necessary base additives.Ideal pH 6.2–7.0.\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003e \u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003eKeep soil consistently moist; avoid drought stress to prevent bitterness.\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003e \u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003eApply \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/greenhouston.co.za\/products\/mushroom-compost\" title=\"Mushroom Compost\"\u003ecompost\u003c\/a\u003e at planting; follow up with \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/greenhouston.co.za\/products\/tags\/?tag=Vegetative\" title=\"Vegetative Fertilisers\"\u003eorganic nitrogen feed\u003c\/a\u003e every 4–6 weeks.\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003e \u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003ePrefers moderate humidity (55–75%). Ensure spacing for good airflow to reduce mildew risk.\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003e \u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003ePerforms exceptionally well in temperate to subtropical South African climates. Protect from frost in high-altitude zones.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eBenefits\u003c\/strong\u003e from \u003cstrong\u003ebeing planted alongside \u003ca title=\"Broccoli\" href=\"https:\/\/greenhouston.co.za\/products\/broccoli-green-sprouting\"\u003ebroccoli\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e, \u003cstrong\u003ecabbage\u003c\/strong\u003e, \u003ca title=\"Tall Utah Celery\" href=\"https:\/\/greenhouston.co.za\/products\/celery-tall-utah\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003ecelery\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/a\u003e, \u003ca title=\"Onion Texas Grano\" href=\"https:\/\/greenhouston.co.za\/products\/onion-texas\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eonions\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/a\u003e, \u003cstrong\u003ebeans\u003c\/strong\u003e, \u003ca title=\"Lettuce Options\" href=\"https:\/\/greenhouston.co.za\/products\/tags\/?tag=Lettuce\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003elettuce\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/a\u003e, and\u003cstrong\u003e \u003ca title=\"Radish Red Coral\" href=\"https:\/\/greenhouston.co.za\/products\/radish-red-coral\"\u003eradish\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e.\u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eIntercropping\u003c\/strong\u003e: Pair with \u003ca title=\"Carrot Options\" href=\"https:\/\/greenhouston.co.za\/products\/tags\/?tag=Carrots\"\u003ecarrots\u003c\/a\u003e, \u003ca title=\"Radish Red Coral\" href=\"https:\/\/greenhouston.co.za\/products\/radish-red-coral\"\u003eradish\u003c\/a\u003e, or \u003ca title=\"Chamomile\" href=\"https:\/\/greenhouston.co.za\/products\/chamomile\"\u003echamomile\u003c\/a\u003e for pest control.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eCrop Rotation\u003c\/strong\u003e: Plant after heavy feeders or legumes. Follow with root crops or \u003ca title=\"Herb Options\" href=\"https:\/\/greenhouston.co.za\/products\/tags\/?tag=Herbs\"\u003eherbs\u003c\/a\u003e.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eSoil Rejuvenation\u003c\/strong\u003e: Till in residues to add organic matter.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eAvoid planting with potatoes\u003c\/strong\u003e and \u003cstrong\u003ecorn\u003c\/strong\u003e – they can overshadow or compete for nutrients.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eFor placement of large orders contact us at: office@greenhouston.co.za \u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Green Houston","offers":[{"title":"1g (55 Seeds)","offer_id":47000014389491,"sku":"","price":14.0,"currency_code":"ZAR","in_stock":true},{"title":"4g (220 Seeds)","offer_id":47000014422259,"sku":"","price":44.0,"currency_code":"ZAR","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0344\/9087\/6044\/files\/SpinachSwissChardFordhookGiantSingle.png?v=1749024662","url":"https:\/\/greenwares.myshopify.com\/products\/spinach-swiss-chard-fordhook-giant","provider":"Green Houston","version":"1.0","type":"link"}