Swiss Chard Growing Guide

Beta vulgaris var. cicla

Swiss Chard

Crop Rotation Group

Chenopodiaceae (Beet family) 

Soil

Rich, well drained soil that holds moisture well.

Position

Sun or partial afternoon shade.

Frost tolerant

Yes. With mulch, plants are hardy to about 20°F.

Feeding

Not usually required is a mulch is used to keep soil moist.

Spacing

Single Plants: 1' 1" (35cm) each way (minimum)
Rows: 11" (30cm) with 1' 3" (40cm) row gap (minimum)

Sow and Plant

Sow direct into the ground in mid spring, and again in late summer for a fall crop. Sow seeds 4 inches apart, and thin to proper spacing. Can be started indoors if the roots are not disturbed as seedlings are transplanted.
Our Garden Planner can produce a personalized calendar of when to sow, plant and harvest for your area.

Notes

Swiss chard is so beautiful that it should be grown where it is easily seen. A great vegetable for edible ornamental beds.

Harvesting

Twist leaves from the outside of the plant regularly from mid summer onwards. Plants regrow when cut back to 3 inches.

Troubleshooting

Cutworms can girdle seedlings, so be watchful when growing chard in spots recently vacated by grass.

Planting and Harvesting Calendar

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Pests which Affect Swiss Chard