Name:
Silverbeet
Beta vulgarus cicla

How many plants for average family:
3 to 6 per family

Type of plant:
annual

Best Varieties:
Perpetual spinach,
English spinach
Foodhook Giant - large dark green leaves. Chard/Swiss Chard varieties - less vigorous but have colorful stems
Warrigal greens - bush tucker, native Australian spinach, not to be eaten raw.

Sowing:
Direct, can soak seed first for better results.

Growing Habit:
Clumping plants. Suitable for pots.

Growing Conditions:
Needs nitrogen rich soil for larger leaves. May need shading in hot weather.
Liquid feed fortnightly for continual supply. Harvest outer leaves to keep plants growing.

Companions:
Beans, beetroot, broccoli, cauliflower, cabbage, Brussels Sprouts, dill, lettuce, lovage, marjoram, onions, peas.

Problems:
Water or nutrient stress can lead to bolting. Fungal leaf spot.
Stem rot.