Chard, also known as Swiss chard, is a versatile and nutritious leafy green that thrives in both spring and fall gardens. This hardy plant is easy to grow and provides a continuous harvest of delicious, vitamin-rich leaves. Whether you're planting Bright Lights, Fordhook, Red, or Yellow chard varieties, this guide will help you cultivate a successful crop.
Click here to access the complete Chard Growing Guide (PDF) for detailed information on soil preparation, planting, and long-term care.
Best Growing Conditions for Chard
Soil and Temperature
• Soil: Well-drained, rich in organic matter, with a pH between 6.0 and 7.0.
• Temperature: Ideal air temperature is below 75°F, with soil temperatures between 50–85°F for germination.
• Companion Plants: Chard grows well with cabbages, bush beans, onions, tomatoes, and radishes, but should be kept away from corn, cucurbits, and pole beans.
Watering and Mulching
• Watering: Keep moisture consistent throughout the growing season. Use drip irrigation to avoid wetting leaves and reduce disease risk.
• Mulching: Apply mulch to protect shallow roots, retain moisture, and suppress weeds.
Planting and Growing Chard
Sowing and Transplanting:
• Direct Sowing: Plant seeds 2–4 weeks before the last frost or up to 40 days before the first frost in late summer. Sow ½–1 inch deep.
• Indoor Sowing: Start seeds indoors 4–6 weeks before planting outside. Use a soilless mix like Quickroot and maintain a soil temperature of 75°F. Harden off seedlings before transplanting.
• Spacing: Thin seedlings to 6 inches apart with 18–30 inches between rows.
Fertilizing:
• Before Planting: Incorporate organic matter to a depth of 8 inches and add a nitrogen source for large, leafy growth.
• During Growth: Side-dress with compost or organic fertilizer to promote continuous harvest.
Harvesting Chard
• When to Harvest: Cut leaves 1–2 inches above the soil line once they reach a suitable size.
• Continuous Harvesting: Pick outer leaves regularly, leaving the center to produce new growth.
• Storage: Store whole leaves in a sealed container in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks.
Common Pests and Diseases Affecting Chard
Pests:
• Aphids: Small insects on leaf undersides. Control with strong water sprays or beneficial insects like ladybugs.
• Leaf Miners: Cause winding tunnels on leaves. Use floating row covers and remove affected leaves.
• Slugs and Snails: Leave irregular holes and trails. Handpick pests or use organic slug bait.
Diseases:
• Leaf Spot: Red-ringed spots on leaves. Avoid overhead watering and practice crop rotation.
• Downy Mildew: Yellowing and mold on leaves. Improve air circulation and use organic fungicides.
Managing Bolting in Chard
• What is Bolting? When the plant prematurely produces a flower stalk.
• Causes: High temperatures or frost.
• Prevention: Mulch to cool soil and provide afternoon shade in hot climates. Cut off flowering stalks promptly.
Popular Chard Varieties:
• Bright Lights: A colorful mix with various rib colors.
• Fordhook (White): Large, white ribs with deep green leaves.
• Red (Rhubarb): Bright red stems, but prone to bolting if exposed to cold.
• Yellow: Bright yellow stems with green leaves.
Why Grow Chard?
• Nutrient-Rich: High in vitamins A, C, and K, plus essential minerals.
• Long Harvest Season: Provides continuous harvest from spring to late fall.
• Cold and Heat Tolerant: Performs well in various climates.
• Great for Small Spaces: Suitable for raised beds and containers.
🌱 Chard Growing Resources
Chard is an incredibly versatile and nutritious green that thrives in both cool and warm climates. Whether you're planting it in your backyard garden, raised bed, or containers, these resources will guide you through every step of growing chard—from planting to harvesting, as well as helpful tips on pest management and varieties.
- 🌿 How to Grow Chard: A Complete Growing Guide
- This detailed guide provides all the information you need on soil preparation, watering, mulching, and planting your chard. Whether you're growing Bright Lights, Red, or Yellow chard, this resource covers ideal growing conditions, fertilizer needs, and how to keep your chard healthy throughout the season.
- 🍅 Growing Ruby Red Chard Seeds in the Sierra Nevada Foothills
- Learn about growing Ruby Red Chard in specific climates, including tips for success in the Sierra Nevada foothills. This article explores the growing challenges and rewards of cultivating this unique chard variety in a specific region, with detailed tips on water needs, temperature, and spacing.
- 🌸 The Fascinating World of Fordham Giant Chard
- Discover the Fordham Giant chard variety, known for its large, flavorful leaves and distinctive growing habits. This resource delves into the best practices for cultivating this variety, including how to manage its size and ensure a productive harvest.
- 🛒 Shop Chard Seeds
- Ready to plant? Explore our collection of high-quality chard seeds, including different varieties like Bright Lights, Fordhook, and Ruby Red. Whether you’re new to gardening or an experienced grower, we have the seeds to help you get started with a healthy, bountiful chard crop.
