Fordhook Giant

Sink your spoon into the lush, velvety leaves of Fordhook Giant Swiss Chard, where tender ribs unfurl in bold color and the foliage holds a satisfying, succulent bite.

Expect a deep, earthy green leaf with thick, crisp stems that stay pleasantly mild and sweet—ideal for turning everyday meals into colorful garden triumphs. Grow Fordhook Giant for dependable harvests around 50 days, and enjoy its versatility in fresh bunches, quick sautés, and vibrant sauces or pickled accents.

Light: Full SunMaturity: 50 DaysHabit: Rosette

Botanical illustration of Fordhook Giant

Planting schedules and alerts are optimized for Columbus (Zone 6b).

Crop Dates

Milestone	Date
Start Indoors	Direct Sow
Last Frost	Apr 25th
Transplant / Sow Outdoors	Apr 25th
Harvest Begins	Jun 14th
Harvest Ends	Oct 16th

Crop Details

Trait	Value
Days to Maturity	50
Sun Requirements	Full Sun
Growth Habit	Rosette
Support Needed	None
Planting Depth	Normal
Germination Temp (°F)	70
Min Soil Temp (°F)	45
Min Night Temp (°F)	28
Harden Off (days)	Not Required

Culinary Notes

Chef's Note

Fordhook Giant’s thick, crisp stems and mild sweetness make it a spoonable green—you want heat that steams it through without turning it harsh. Choose it when you want the flavor of “real greens” but the texture to stay lively, especially in sautés and quick braises.

Best Uses

quick sautéed ribbons where the stems stay snappy
braised chard with a fast pan sauce that clings to the ribs
leaves tossed into hot pasta with butter and a squeeze of citrus
blanched-and-chilled chop for grain bowls and vinaigrette

Flavor Profile

deep earthy-green leafiness mild, sweet edge crisp-tender ribs with a succulent, velvety bite holds up well to heat without going bitter

Kitchen Pairings

lemon olive oil butter parmesan white beans smoked sausage

Frequently Asked Questions

What pest or disease most commonly affects Swiss chard (Beta vulgaris var. cicla), and what should I do?

Swiss chard commonly gets leaf spots (often from warm, wet foliage) and sometimes aphids that cluster on tender growth. Water at the soil line and avoid wetting leaves; improve airflow by spacing plants about 10–12 in. apart. If you see leaf spots, remove badly affected leaves and spray an approved copper-based fungicide early in the outbreak, while controlling aphids with a strong water blast and insecticidal soap if needed.

How often should I water Swiss chard during its main growth to keep it thriving?

During active leaf growth, keep the soil consistently evenly moist—about 1 inch of water per week total, adjusted for heat and rainfall. Water deeply when the top 1 inch of soil feels dry, because chard that swings between dry and soggy can develop tough leaves and issues like tip burn. Mulch around plants to reduce moisture swings, especially in full sun.

How can I tell when Fordhook Giant Swiss chard is ready to harvest?

Fordhook Giant is typically ready around 50 days after sowing when leaves are large enough to use and the plants look full, not sparse. Harvest outer leaves first by cutting near the base with a sharp knife, leaving the center growing point intact for continued picking. If leaves begin to look overly thick and coarse or stems get very tough, harvest sooner rather than waiting for maximum size.