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