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Mon-Fri 8-4 MST
Features
Family
Amaranthaceae
Native
Mediterranean region, Europe
Life Cycle
Biennial; fairly cold tolerant. Will overwinter in mild climates and withstand light to moderate freezes.
Plant Height
Up to 20" tall
Further Information
Growing Conditions
Frost Tolerant
About Swiss Chard
Beta vulgaris subsp. vulgaris
Planting Swiss Chard
Plant Spacing
A group of 2 seeds every 8"
Light Required
Full sun to part shade
Plant Height
Up to 20" tall
Planting Depth
1/2"
Coverage & Planting Details
| Coverage | This packet sows up to 26 feet. |
|---|---|
| Row Spacing | 18" |
| Seed Depth | 1/2" |
| Seed Spacing | A group of 2 seeds every 8" |
| Thinning | When 1/2" tall, thin to 1 every 8" |
| Germination | 5-10 days |
| Start Indoors | 4 to 6 weeks before transplanting out, 2 to 4 weeks before your average last frost date (protect from heavy freezes). |
| Direct Sow | RECOMMENDED. 2 to 4 weeks before your average last frost date and when soil temperature is at least 40°F, ideally 75°-90°F. Sow as late as 2 months before first fall frost. Mild Climates: Sow in fall. |
| Special Sowing | For growing as baby greens, broadcast seeds about 1" apart in wide bands. |
| Special Care | Swiss chard "seed" is actually a dried fruit with several seeds, therefore, seedlings may emerge closely, making early thinning important. Thin newly emerged seedlings by pinching or cutting them off at the soil surface, to minimize disturbance to neighboring plants. Cultivate very lightly, as roots are close to the surface. Mulch soil surface when plants are 2" high to keep roots cool and moist. If the plant starts to bolt during the summer, cut off the flower stalk. Rotate Swiss chard (and others in the Amaranthaceae Family) location so they are not grown in the same area more than once every 3 years. |
| Growing & Harvesting | Pick up to 1/3 of the outer leaves as needed, and let more leaves grow from the center of the plant; or, if desired, harvest the whole plant 2" above ground, and it will grow back. Pick very young leaves, at 2"-4" for using fresh in salads. |
Find Your Frost Date & Grow Zone
Average First Frost Date
October 19
Average Last Frost Date
May 19
Your Hardiness Zone is
5b
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