Swiss chard (Beta vulgaris 'Ruby Red') BAY-tah vul-GAR-iss Synonyms:  Beta vulgaris ssp. cicla 'Ruby Red' Genus:  Beta This is a sweet Swiss chard with beautiful candy-apple-red stalks and dark green, crinkly leaves with touches of red. Both the leaves and the stalks are very ornamental and 'Ruby Red' is great in a vegetable or cottage garden, or in an ornamental bed or border. It is especially attractive when grown with plants whose colors call attention to the red coloring. Although related to beets, the root is inedible, but the leafy greens are valued for their mild flavor and high nutritional value. Care:  Full sun or partial shade in rich, light but moist soil. Water thoroughly during dry spells to avoid bolting. Propagation:  Sow seeds where they are to grow in early spring or late summer. Problems:  Prone to fungal leaf spots, downy mildew, powdery mildew, damping off, and root rots. Leaf miners, aphids, and caterpillars can be troublesome as well.

Overview

Height 1 ft. to 3 ft. Spread 1 ft. to 3 ft. Growth Habit Clumps Growth Pace Moderate Grower Light Full Sun to Part Shade Moisture Medium Moisture Maintenance Moderate Characteristics Showy Foliage Foliage Color Colorful/Burgundy Foliage Uses Beds and Borders, Container Style Cottage Garden Seasonal Interest Spring Interest Tolerance Frost Tolerant Type Annuals