Beta vulgaris subspecies circla
Botanical Name
Beta vulgaris subspecies cicla
Hardiness
Biennial grown as annual
Height
1 to 3 feet
Width
6 to 24 inches
Fall Color
Green, purple, yellow, or red stems throughout the growing season
Light
Full sun to part shade
Soil
Moist, well-drained
Planting and Care
Begin planting 2-3 weeks before last frost. Sow seeds 1/2-1 inch deep, 2-6 inches apart in rows 18-24 inches apart. Thin seedlings to 6-12 inch spacing. When growing for ornamental value, continual harvesting or removal of the outer stem and leaves will ensure continued color throughout the season.
Harvesting
Harvest young leaves when they are roughly 3-10 inches in length. Cut outer leaves 1.5 inches above the soil. Be sure to avoid damaging the growing point at the center of the plant. You can remove a few leaves at a time for a continuous harvest or cut the entire plant back to a few inches above the soil and let it grow back.
Problems
Leaf miners, aphids, leaf spot, downy mildew
Varieties to Consider
'Bright Lights' - AAS winner 1998; red, white, orange, purple, gold, and pink stem colors; green or bronze leaves
Did you know?
Avoid sowing too early, Swiss chard will bolt if exposed to prolonged freezing temperatures.