Melinda Myers

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 1998; red, white, orange, purple, gold, and pink stem colors; green or bronze leaves