Leaf Beet

------------

 

Swiss Chard/Seakale Beet.

RubyChard/ Rhubarb Chard.

Spinach Beet/ Perpetual Spinach

-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------

 

Leaf Beet comes in a few variations and is often used as a substitute for Seakale or Spinach. Easier to grow than the real thing and continually cropping throughout the season.

 

a) Swiss Chard / Seakale Beet

Thick white fleshy stems are used as a substitute for Seakale. The leaves are used as Spinach. Sow in situ from April to June. Rows 30-38cm apart. Sow thinly and later thin out to 15-20cm apart. Liquid feed or top dress regularly with a quick release High Nitrogen fertilizer to keep the plants productive. All types of free draining soil are suitable from sandy through to clay. A standard veg garden pH of 6.5 to 7.0 suits them. Lots of organic matter is preferable but not essential.

 

b) Ruby Chard/ Rhubarb Chard

This is the red version of the Swiss Chard. Cultivation is the same.

 

c) Spinach Beet/ Perpetual Spinach

Not spinach at all, but does taste similar. More productive than the real Spinach as it keeps on cropping throughout the season and doesn't bolt as soon. Very space saving. You get a lot from a small area. Unlike Swiss Chard, only the leaves are eaten. Strip them from the stalks and put the stalks onto the compost heap. Cultivation is the same as the other Leaf Beets.