Growing Chard: A Complete Guide for a Healthy Harvest
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.
