Swiss Chard
- Botanical Name
- Beta vulgaris subspecies cicla
- Hardiness
- Biennial grown as annual
- Height
- 1 to 3 feet
- Width
- 6 to 24 inches
- Light
- Full sun to part shade
- Soil
- Moist, well-drained
- Planting & Care
- Swiss chard best germinates in temperatures between 40°F and 85°F
- Begin planting 2-3 weeks before last frost. Sow seeds 1/2 to 1 inch deep, 2 to 6 inches apart in rows 18 to 24 inches apart.
- Thin seedlings to 6-12 inch spacing
- Mulch soil around plants to conserve moisture and suppress weeds
- When growing for ornamental value, continual harvesting or removal of the outer stem and leaves will ensure continued color throughout the season
- Problems
- Leaf miners, aphids, leaf spot, downy mildew
- Varieties
- Bright Lights - All-America Selection winner, red, white, orange, purple, gold, and pink stem colors; green or bronze leaves
- Peppermint - very attractive pink and white striped petioles, dark green leaves
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