How to prune swiss chard 'fordhook giant'

Throughout the growing season; remove flower stalks as soon as they appear. Cut individual outer leaves cleanly at the base with scissors or a sharp knife, leaving at least 4–5 inner leaves intact. Snap or cut bolt stalks at soil level the moment you spot them to redirect energy back to leaf production.

Every 1–2 weeks during active growth. Swiss Chard 'Fordhook Giant' benefits from regular harvest-pruning rather than ornamental pruning. Remove outer leaves at the base once plants reach 8–10 inches tall, leaving the inner rosette to keep producing. Cut off any yellowing, damaged, or bolting flower stalks promptly to prolong the harvest season.

Cut individual outer leaves cleanly at the base with scissors or a sharp knife, leaving at least 4–5 inner leaves intact. Snap or cut bolt stalks at soil level the moment you spot them to redirect energy back to leaf production.