How to Grow Swiss Chard: A Colorful, Cold-Hardy Green for Three Seasons

Swiss chard is a standout in the fall garden, but unlike most cool-season crops, it also tolerates summer heat. Related to beets (the family resemblance shows in the leaves), chard doesn't hide—it reaches 2+ feet tall with leaves in green and red, and stems spanning white, yellow, orange, pink, red, and purple.

When to Plant

• Fall crop: Sow seeds late summer to early autumn
• Spring/summer crop: Sow seeds or transplant seedlings late winter (mild climates) or early spring

Quick Facts

• Days to maturity: ~60 days to first harvest
• Light: Full sun; partial shade in very hot climates
• Water: Keep soil moist until germination, then water consistently
• Top varieties: 'Bright Lights', 'Rainbow', 'Barese', 'Fordhook Giant', 'French Swiss', 'Golden Sunrise', 'Joseph's Coat', 'Lucillus', 'Perpetual', rhubarb chard, 'Ruby Red'

Planting & Care

Plant in deeply worked, well-amended, well-drained soil. Mild climates can sow late summer/fall for winter growth.

Sow seeds ½ inch deep, 2 inches apart; thin to 12-inch spacing (eat the thinnings!). Set transplants at same spacing. Fertilize at planting and again at 6 weeks.

Keep soil evenly moist, remove weeds. Pests are infrequent but may include aphids, leaf miners, snails, slugs, rabbits, and curious pets.

Harvest

After ~2 months, cut outer stalks. For a larger harvest, cut the whole plant 2 inches above ground—it will regrow.

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