Fordhook Giant is a Swiss chard variety that proved its worth in rigorous trials, outperforming other chard cultivars with its combination of dark-green, savoyed leaves and notably enlarged white stems. The stems deliver a crisp, delicate flavor reminiscent of mild celery, making this cultivar a compelling choice for gardeners seeking both visual appeal and distinctive taste. Hardy enough to tolerate frost and quick to germinate in warm soil, Fordhook Giant rewards frequent planting with reliable harvests throughout the season.
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Moderate
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High
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In side-by-side trials, Fordhook Giant demonstrated superior performance compared to other Swiss chard varieties. Its dark-green, heavily savoyed leaves catch the eye, while the enlarged white stems offer a crisp texture and celery-like flavor that's far more delicate than you might expect from a leafy green. The mild, subtle taste of the stems makes this variety exceptionally versatile in the kitchen, whether steamed whole, chopped into soups, or sautéed alongside the tender leaves.
Fordhook Giant's enlarged stems and tender leaves make it ideal for harvesting at multiple stages. The stems can be separated and cooked alone, treated much like celery in braised dishes or added to soups and stews for their subtle flavor. The leafy greens work beautifully in sautés, wilted into grains, or used raw when very young and tender. Gardeners who plant frequently can enjoy continuous harvests of both the developing leaves and mature stems throughout the growing season.
No timeline data available yet for this variety.
Direct sow seeds in spring or fall, timing your planting so soil temperatures fall within 50 to 75 degrees Fahrenheit for reliable germination.
Harvest Fordhook Giant by pinching or cutting outer stems and leaves as needed, allowing the center of the plant to continue growing. The enlarged white stems become harvestable once they've developed their full size and crisp texture. Young leaves can be harvested frequently to encourage continued growth. Frost tolerance means you can extend your harvest window well into fall.
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