Fordhook Giant OPV

Fordhook Giant is an open-pollinated (OPV) Swiss chard variety. It is highly prized by Kenyan farmers for its vigorous growth, large, dark-green crumpled leaves, and thick, broad, white stalks. It matures in 40 to 60 days and can yield between 10 to 20 tons per acre.

Planting & Management

• Seed Rate: Requires about 3kg per acre for direct seeding, or significantly less when transplanting from a nursery bed.
• Spacing: Space your plants 50cm x 50cm to allow the large leaves adequate room to develop.
• Soil Requirements: Throws a strong taproot, performing best in well-drained, fertile soils that are heavily supplemented with well-decomposed organic manure.

Advantages:

• Extended Harvest Cycle: Unlike traditional spinach that bolts quickly, Fordhook Giant allows for a very long harvesting period. You can continuously harvest the outer leaves for months, as the plant keeps producing new ones.
• High Yield Potential: Under ideal conditions, it can yield between 10 to 19 tons per acre.
• Bolting Resistance: It is highly resistant to bolting (going to seed prematurely), meaning it maintains its quality even during warmer weather or temperature fluctuations.
• High Adaptability: It performs excellently in a wide range of climates and soil types. While it thrives in the cooler temperatures often associated with Nairobi, it also has notable tolerance to light frosts and heat.