How to grow Silverbeet in Australia

Difficulty: Beginner
Sun: Full sun
Water: 5 litres a week, watered every 2 days
Spacing: 30 cm
Time to harvest: 60 days
Time to germinate: 10 days
Soil pH: 6 to 7.5
Frost tolerance: Frost hardy

A hardy leafy crop for full sun to part shade in rich, moist soil. Keep watering steady for tender stems and leaves, and mulch to hold moisture.

At a glance

Region	When to sow	Regional note
South East Queensland	All year
Northern Rivers NSW	All year
Sydney & Coastal NSW	All year
Melbourne & Victoria	March to October	Sow year-round but peak autumn to winter (Mar to Jun). Add early spring (Sep to Oct). Tolerates light frost.
Adelaide & SA	All year	Silverbeet tolerates some heat; keep harvest window flexible year-round but strongest growth Apr to Oct.
Perth & WA	All year	Silverbeet tolerates some heat; keep harvest window flexible year-round but strongest growth Apr to Oct.
Tasmania	September to February	Sow Sep to Feb. Plants stand through winter for picking. One of the most reliable crops in Tasmania.
Canberra & ACT	August to February	Sow Aug to Feb. Established plants stand through winter; growth pauses in heavy frost and resumes in spring.
North Queensland	May to September	Dry season main window May to Sep. Year-round possible with shade cloth in warmest months.
Darwin & Top End	May to September	Dry season main window May to Sep. Year-round possible with shade cloth in warmest months.

Pick outer stems once leaves are large enough to use. Twist or snap stalks off at the base and the plant keeps cropping from the centre for months.

Fridge in a sealed bag, up to 1 week. Blanch and freeze for longer.