**Shipping Information** 1. For orders under $15, we use a mailing envelope (without a tracking number) with an estimated delivery time of 5-15 days. If you prefer a tracking number, you can choose either the $4.5 shipping for 3-5 days or the $60 expedited shipping service for 2-3 days during the checkout process. 2. Orders exceeding $15 are dispatched via USPS Ground (3-5 days) and include a tracking number at no additional shipping fee. Organic Fordhook Giant Chard Growing Zone: Organic Fordhook Giant Chard, scientifically known as Beta vulgaris subsp. cicla, is a versatile leafy green that thrives in a wide range of climates. It is typically grown as an annual vegetable but can behave as a biennial in some regions. Fordhook Giant Chard grows well in USDA Hardiness Zones 3-10. How to Grow Organic Fordhook Giant Chard Seeds: Seed Starting: Start Organic Fordhook Giant Chard seeds indoors 4-6 weeks before the last frost date in your area. Plant the seeds in seedling trays or pots filled with well-draining potting soil. Sow the seeds approximately 1/2 inch deep and keep them moist until germination, which typically occurs within 7-14 days. Transplanting: Once the seedlings have developed several sets of true leaves and all danger of frost has passed, transplant them outdoors. Choose a sunny to partially shaded location with fertile, well-draining soil. Space the plants approximately 12-18 inches apart. Growing Conditions: Organic Fordhook Giant Chard prefers full sun but can tolerate partial shade, especially in hotter climates. Keep the soil consistently moist, watering deeply whenever the top inch of soil feels dry to the touch. Mulching around the plants can help retain moisture and suppress weed growth. Maintenance: Fordhook Giant Chard is a relatively low-maintenance crop. Monitor the plants for pests such as aphids, flea beetles, and leaf miners, and treat them promptly if detected. Regularly remove any damaged or yellowing leaves to encourage new growth. Harvesting Time: Organic Fordhook Giant Chard can be harvested once the leaves have reached a usable size, typically around 6-8 inches in length. Harvest the outer leaves by cutting them at the base of the plant, leaving the inner leaves to continue growing. The best time to harvest is in the morning when the leaves are crisp and full of moisture. Uses of Organic Fordhook Giant Chard: Organic Fordhook Giant Chard is prized for its tender, nutritious leaves, which have a mild, earthy flavor. The leaves can be eaten raw in salads or sandwiches, or cooked in stir-fries, soups, and casseroles. Additionally, Fordhook Giant Chard leaves can be blanched and used as a wrap for fillings, or chopped and added to omelets, quiches, and pasta dishes. Rich in vitamins A, C, and K, as well as minerals like potassium and magnesium, Organic Fordhook Giant Chard is a healthy and versatile addition to any garden and kitchen.