The Italian Gardener

"Green cutting chard" is a vigorous, highly productive, bright green variety with narrow stems and, in Australia, is commonly sold as a spinach variety, for which it is a good summer substitute. Use it as for spinach in cooked dishes such as stuffing for pasta, soups, frittate or braised in olive oil.

Harvest outer leaves or cut entire plant 2-3 cm above the soil to promote regrowth. Plant in seed boxes, or directly sow or plant out after the risk of frost has passed. Thin to 15 cm in rows 30 cm apart. 55-60 days to harvest. Conventional seed also available.