Type
white stem, heirloom
Swiss Chard variety
Fordhook Giant Swiss Chard
A long-time standard with broad dark leaves and thick white ribs. It is vigorous, dependable, and excellent for repeated cutting.
Days to maturity
50-60
Best for
cooking greens, heavy harvests
About Fordhook Giant
Fordhook Giant is a classic heirloom chard with thick, crumpled dark green leaves and broad, fleshy white stalks and midribs. It is vigorous and heavy yielding, valued for reliable performance and good tolerance of both heat and light frost. The leaves have a mild, earthy flavor and stand up well to cooking.
Growing Fordhook Giant Swiss Chard
Give this large plant room, spacing about 10 to 12 inches apart, and grow it through spring into fall as it tolerates summer heat better than many greens. Keep soil evenly moist to prevent bolting and to keep the stalks tender. Harvest outer leaves at 8 to 12 inches and it will regrow steadily for months of cut-and-come-again picking.
Full growing guide
For planting dates, care, and harvest that apply to all swiss chard, see the complete guide.
How to grow Swiss ChardOther swiss chard varieties
Variety characteristics are general guidance for US home gardens; performance varies by climate, soil, and season. Seed and plant availability differs by supplier. Page updated Aug 4, 2026.