Perpetual spinach is actually a chard (beet family) but is very similar to true spinach in flavour. We prefer it as it is much easier to grow and far more vigorous than true spinach. It also has the advantage of constantly producing a new crop when picked and so is ideally suited to gardening in a small space.

Health benefits of Swiss chard. Swiss chard is a highly nutritious vegetable. Just one cup provides over three times the recommended daily allowance of vitamin K. It is also commonly known as silverbeet, spinach beet, perpetual spinach, crab beet, and mangold.

Direct sow after the last spring frost. Plant seeds 1/2" deep in compost-enriched soil in full sun. Space the plants 4-5" apart; for continual harvesting of the outer stalks, space the plants 8-10" apart for larger growth.

Seeds are great for Planting in Garden or for storing in a seed safe for emergency.

For a continuous summer crop, plant more Swiss chard every two weeks. Germination should occur in about a week. Swiss chard can survive light frosts, and can be planted as a fall crop.

Hardiness Zones: 3,4,5,6,7,8,9,10,11,12