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. Sow direct after the risk of frost has passed. Thin to 15 cm in rows 30 cm apart. 55-60 days to harvest. Organic seed also available.