FORDHOOK GIANT
Best heirloom choice for gardeners seeking high-yield, nutrient-dense cool-weather greens.
Discover the Fordhook Giant Swiss Chard, an heirloom variety celebrated for its delicious, fresh greens since the 1920s. This robust strain can reach up to 2 feet in height, featuring deeply puckered, substantial leaves and stalks that mature to an ivory hue. It's a dependable, all-season producer and a nutritional powerhouse, packed with fiber and antioxidants, making it one of the healthiest greens available. Fordhook Giant thrives in cooler temperatures, promising abundant harvests for your garden.
$3.35
Owner Satisfaction
4.8
/ 5
Category Rank
2
/ 5592
#2 in Seeds & Seed Tape
Price vs Category Average
-68%
Below average
Days to maturity
60
/ days
Who it's for
- Gardeners seeking high-volume harvests for consistent kitchen use
- Home growers in hot climates needing reliable summer greens
- Cooks looking for versatile vegetables with edible stalks and leaves
Who should skip it
- Urban gardeners with limited square footage for planting
- Organic growers wanting to avoid pest management interventions
- Culinary enthusiasts who prioritize delicate, mild flavor profiles
Performance breakdown
Yield Reliability
A proven heirloom performer that consistently delivers heavy harvests all season.
Climate Adaptability
Thrives in cool weather while maintaining productivity through spring and fall.
Nutritional Density
A genuine superfood packed with essential fiber and high antioxidant levels.
Growth Vigor
Robust stalks and massive leaves reach full maturity in just sixty days.
Garden Versatility
Large stature requires ample ground space and is not suitable for containers.
Germination Consistency
Reliable emergence rates ensure a successful start for home vegetable gardeners.
Key Specs
Days to maturity
60 days
Seed Depth
½"
Seed Spacing
2–3"
Thin Plants to
10–16"
Soil Temp for Germ
50–75°F
Days to Emergence
5–17
Minimum Germination
75%
Seed Life
2 years
Features
- Mammoth strain grows up to 2 feet tall
- Dependable producer throughout the season
- Leaves are heavily puckered and fleshy
- Stalks mature to an ivory color
- Heirloom variety dating back to the 1920s
- Rich in nutrients and fiber
- Thrives in cool weather conditions
What customers say
Customers highly value FORDHOOK GIANT seeds for their exceptional reliability and impressive productivity. The core appeal centers on vigorous growth and consistently high yields, truly earning the 'Giant' name. Gardeners report excellent germination rates, building immediate trust in the seed quality. This variety demonstrates strong resilience, performing well across diverse climates and resisting bolting late into the season. Flavor is another highlight; the greens are tender, earthy, and notably less bitter than many alternatives, making them versatile for cooking. Its ease of cultivation makes it a dependable staple for both new and experienced gardeners seeking maximum output. This variety offers outstanding value through a continuous, reliable supply of nutritious greens.
Know before you buy
This heirloom variety is a robust grower that reaches a mature height of approximately 24 inches.
No, Fordhook Giant is not recommended for containers. Due to its large size and deep root system, it performs best when planted directly in the ground.
These seeds germinate best in soil temperatures between 50°F and 75°F. Because they thrive in cooler weather, they are well-suited for spring, summer, and fall planting.
While you should initially space seeds 2–3 inches apart, you must thin the seedlings to 10–16 inches apart once they emerge to ensure they have enough room to reach their full size.
You can expect to harvest your chard approximately 60 days after planting.
Fordhook Giant thrives in partial sun conditions, making it a versatile choice for garden spots that may not receive intense, direct light all day.
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