Swiss Chard Monster

[number 1 suspect]

Hi All
Ok, last year i had some Swiss Chard on the go and this year its on the piece of fallow gorund. Its making a takeover bid for the area and was last measured at just under 6ft. Its gone to seed now so does anyone know of any reason why i should not use them?

[Alice]

The only reason I can think of is taste. If it still tastes good - eat it. If not - then it's up to you. I would rescue it as soon as possible and freeze if necessary. It won't improve from here on in.

[Shortie]

6 ft?? Wow, hope you like it lots!

[gcroft]

chard

in there second year they tend to go abit woody as they produce more lignin to support their massive flower heads which is why they tend to be eaten in their first year. Can't see any harm in chomping it just it will be more stringy and woody in texture, at this stage its best to chop it up and compost it.

[gcroft]

mmm

just re-read your post and where you say is there any reason not to use them i was wonering if you meant the seed?

You could use the seed it just might not be true to type which is only a problem if your really into having the same guaranteed plants as the pack you bought. If your not then you might get some interesting plants out of them for next year

[nick the grief]

don't think Swiss Chard is an F1 hybrid, so it will be OK to save the seed for next year (or you could let it scatter itself & transplant a few to where you want them & bin the other 6 million

[number 1 suspect]

Thanks averyone. Will take some seeds and see what happens next season
Marty