Silverbeet Growing Guide

Silverbeet is packed with both iron and flavour and should be a standard crop in every vegetable garden throughout the country. It is a popular crop, as it can be harvested perpetually – you can pick a few leaves at a time and it will regrow more from the base of the plant, extending the harvest and season.

Prepare

Silverbeet grows year-round, thriving in both the heat of summer and cold of winter, and is equally happy in containers and garden beds. Another bonus is that you don’t need to grow too many plants as a few will feed a family for months.

In the garden choose a position in full sun. Silverbeet is tolerant of a wide range of soils, but does best in one that is fertile, well worked and retains moisture.

Refer to our Planting Calendar for planting and harvest time in your region.

Plant

Like building a house a good foundation is the key to success in your garden. The better the soil, the better your plants will grow. If you are starting with an existing garden bed dig in organic matter like Tui Sheep Pellets and Tui Compost to your soil. Then you can add a layer of Tui Vegetable Mix. If planting in pots and containers, fill with Tui Vegetable Mix.

The best times to plant are early in the morning or late in the day, so the plants aren’t exposed to the hot sun straight away. Always water plants well before and after planting.

Planting in garden beds

• Water plants thoroughly before planting and allow to drain.
• Dig a hole, approximately twice the depth and width of the root ball of your plant.
• Partly fill the hole with Tui Vegetable Mix
• Gently loosen the root ball of your plant and position the plant in the centre of the hole.
• Fill in with Tui Vegetable Mix
• Press soil gently around the base of the plant.
• Water your plant well.

Planting in pots and containers

• Water plants thoroughly before potting and allow to drain.
• Partly fill your container with Tui Vegetable Mix
• Gently loosen the root ball of your plant and position the plant in the container.
• Fill your container with Tui Vegetable Mix up to 3cm from the top.
• Tap the container gently on the ground to settle the mix.
• Press soil gently around the base of the plant.
• Water your plant well.

Nourish

Feed your plants and they will feed you. Plants use nutrients from the soil as they grow, so replenishing the nutrients ensures your plants grow to their full potential.

Select a fertiliser specially blended for your crop like Tui Vegetable Food. Feed silverbeet planted in pots and containers with Tui NovaTec Premium fertiliser. Well watered, well nourished silverbeet will have a better chance of keeping insect pests and diseases at bay.

While your silverbeet are growing regularly apply a dose of Tui Organic Seaweed Plant Tonic to give them a welcome boost.

Protect your plants from the elements with layers of Tui Pea Straw Mulch, to help keep their roots moist and keep your garden weed free.

Be vigilant and stop unwanted insects and diseases from ruining your plants. Slugs and snails can be an issue - lay Tui Quash slug and snail control around young plants.