Leave a few leaves in the middle to have continuous picking. Silverbeet will germinate successfully in straight potting mix but you can use seed raising mix for best results. Cover with soil then set in a saucer of water. During cooler weather cover the top with a pane of glass or plastic wrap to speed up germination. Place in a sunny windowsill or in a protected sunny position in the garden.
Keep an eye on the punnet and if the top starts to dry out spritz with water. Seedlings will emerge in 10 to 14 days.
Plant out seedlings when they have their second leaves then keep moist for the first two weeks. Silverbeet can be grown in pots in apartments. Find a position that has good ventilation and sun for at least half of the day. Plant 35cm 14 inches apart in long rectangular pots or singularly in separate 15 to 20cm 6 to 8 inch pots. Ruby Red has brilliant crimson translucent stems. In warm northern parts of New Zealand, plant silverbeet in all months. In cooler areas plant silverbeet from early spring through to early autumn.
If growing silverbeet from seeds then soak the seeds for several hours before planting cm deep. The traditional newspaper-wrapped plants are usually cheaper. Growing silverbeet is best in the cooler months By planting them close together you will ensure that the shading of the soil prevents the roots getting too warm. Silverbeet is tolerant of some shade. Silverbeet is prone to fungal infections in warm and humid conditions. Make sure there is plenty of air movement or just wait a few months for less humidity.
Leaves develop light grey spots with brown rings and a small hole often forms in the centre. The problem is worsened by high temperatures, humidity or long period of leafs being wet. Spores can be spread by water droplets, insects, plant material and organic matter in the soil. To manage this problem practice crop rotation and remove any infected plant material promptly. Insect pests are rarely a problem, but the caterpillars of beet webworm, Spoladea recurvalis Fabricius , can cause some damage.
The brown moths lay clusters of small eggs underneath the leaves which grow into green caterpillars with a dark line along their backs. Pick the outer leaves by cutting them with a knife or bending them downwards. As you do this you will see the new shoot ready to grow up in their place.
Ensure you always leave about 3 leaves on each plant. Silver beet is usually harvested over a 16 to 24 week period although it depends upon the variety. For continuous harvests grow successive crops in spring, summer and autumn. Leaves will last around 1 to 2 weeks after being cut, and will decay faster if stored with vegetables that give off ethylene such as tomatoes and rockmelons. Go to your local nursery or search for seed stores online. Try to buy seeds that have been grown in Australia.
You could also join a local savers group. Save Save. Love my silver beet but always have an abundance of bloody earwigs. So I came up with a cunning plan after trying other traps , most a pain in the bum. 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.
Always water plants well before and after planting. 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.
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