Holly's Homestead — Brassica
Silverbeet
Beta vulgaris subsp. cicla · Amaranth family
DIFFICULTY Easy
TYPE Biennial, grown as annual, direct sown or seedling
MATURITY 50–60 days
TYPE Biennial, grown as annual, direct sown or seedling
MATURITY 50–60 days
Sun
Full–part sun
Water
Consistent
Soil pH
6.0–7.0
Spacing
20–30cm
Depth
1–2cm
01The reliable, heat-tolerant green
Where true spinach bolts in warmth, silverbeet keeps producing through much of the year — a genuinely dependable leafy green for a self-sufficient garden.
02Planting
Method
Direct sow or transplant seedlings.
Soil
Rich, moisture-retentive.
Timing
Sow year-round in mild zones.
03Growing care
- Harvest outer leaves regularly for continuous production.
- Feed every few weeks with liquid compost.
- Water consistently for tender stems and leaves.
- Mulch to retain moisture and suppress weeds.
04Problems
- Leaf miner — pale tunnels; remove affected leaves.
- Aphids — hose off.
- Bolting — less common than spinach, but can occur in extreme heat.
- Slow growth — nutrient-poor soil; feed regularly.
05Harvest & storage
Signs
Outer leaves reach usable size, continuously.
Method
Snap or cut outer leaves at the base, leaving the crown.
Curing
None needed.
Storage
Fridge crisper, about a week.
06Companions & rotation
Plant nearby
OnionBrassicasBeansAvoid nearby
None majorRotation note
Rotate with the beet family every 2–3 years.