When to Plant Silverbeet (Swiss Chard) in Brisbane, Subtropical Guide

Sow year round in Brisbane. That includes right now, in September.

Also called chard, Swiss chard.

Published · Last reviewed · By Garden Buddy
Growing advice is reviewed by hand. Planting dates, current conditions and prices on this page update daily.

This Silverbeet (Swiss Chard) guide is written for the Subtropical zone, which takes in Brisbane, the Gold Coast and the Sunshine Coast. Somewhere else? Your postcode picks the right one.

Not your zone? Cairns Sydney Melbourne Canberra Alice Springs Perth

Also handy: will it frost this week? and what grows in shade.

Silverbeet (Swiss Chard)

Photo: Wikimedia Commons

Silverbeet (called Swiss chard elsewhere in the world) is arguably Australia's most reliable and productive leafy green. It grows in every Australian climate zone, tolerates heat and cold, produces for 8-12 months per planting, and is genuinely low-maintenance. Available in traditional white-stemmed forms and colourful rainbow varieties. A staple of Australian home gardens for generations.

Planting Calendar for Subtropical

Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec
S/T/D S/T/D S/T/D S/T/D S/T/D S/T S/T S/T/D S/T/D S/T/D S/T/D S/T/D

S = Seed Tray   T = Transplant   D = Direct Sow

You can sow silverbeet (swiss chard) in any month in Subtropical, but the months are not equal. Summer heat brings faster bolting and heavier pest pressure, so pick a heat tolerant variety, sow little and often, and give afternoon shade from December through February.

Want a nudge when it is Silverbeet (Swiss Chard) sowing time in Brisbane?

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Current Growing Conditions

Soil temperature: 20.4°C (optimal range: 10–30°C) ✓ Ready to plant

That figure is read off my own weather station here at Dayboro in South East Queensland at 18:55 yesterday, not a model. The radar, the rain gauge and the forecasts behind it sit on Dayboro.au.

How to Grow Silverbeet (Swiss Chard) in Subtropical Australia

When to Plant

Year-round. Best planted February-April (autumn) for longest production. Summer growing possible but leaf quality is lower.

Soil
Rich, well-drained soil with plenty of compost. Deep roots (90-120cm) mean it benefits from deep soil preparation. Tolerates a range of soil types.
pH Range
6.0-7.5
Sunlight
Full sun in cool climates. Part shade tolerated and beneficial in warm zones. Minimum 4 hours sun.
Spacing
35cm apart, 45cm between rows
Watering
Deep watering 2-3 times per week. Deep roots mean it handles short dry spells well once established. Consistent moisture produces the most tender stalks.

Companion plants: Bean, Onion, Lettuce, Cabbage, Lavender

Avoid planting near: Corn (competes for nutrients), Potato

Subtropical Growing Tips for Silverbeet (Swiss Chard)

Recommended Varieties

  • Fordhook Giant
  • Rainbow Chard
  • Lucullus
  • White Silver

Key Challenges

  • Leaf miner in warm months
  • Cercospora in summer humidity
  • Plants look tired by second summer

Pro Tips

  • The ultimate set-and-forget leafy green for SEQ
  • One autumn planting provides leaves for 10-12 months
  • Rainbow Chard is ornamental enough for front-yard gardens

Harvesting Silverbeet (Swiss Chard)

When ready: Leaves are 20-30cm long with firm, thick stems. Bright colour. Snap cleanly when bent. Harvest outer leaves first.

How to harvest: Cut or snap outer leaves at the base, leaving the central growing point and inner leaves. Always harvest from the outside in. Never cut the centre out.

Where to next

What silverbeet costs in the shops right now, retailer by retailer, updated daily.

Also worth sowing in the subtropical zone this September: Lemongrass, Ginger, Beetroot and Chilli Peppers.

The pest most likely to find your silverbeet: Common Garden Snail.

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Common Questions About Silverbeet (Swiss Chard)

When do you plant silverbeet in Australia?

It depends on your climate zone, not the calendar month alone. Planting months by zone:

Does silverbeet grow all year round in Brisbane?

Yes, every month is on the calendar for the Subtropical zone, though not every month is equally easy.

What else is silverbeet called?

Silverbeet is the usual Australian name. Overseas seed packets and recipes call it chard, Swiss chard. Same plant, same growing advice.

Which zone am I in?

Type your postcode into the box under the heading and the page tells you, and links this crop in your own zone if it differs. Or look it up on the grow zone map. This page is the Subtropical zone, Brisbane is its reference city.