Swiss Chard

Beta vulgaris

Varieties

Rainbow Swiss Chard

Days to germination: 7-14
Germination temperature: 65-75°F
Planting: direct sow or transplant
Sow depth: 3/4"
Days to maturity: 60
Plant spacing: 12"
Row spacing: 6"
Light: full sun/some shade
Water: frequent; tolerates dry spells once established
Harvesting: as soon as leaves are of desireable size. Regrows well when only some leaves are removed at a time.
Characteristics: Colors in leaves and stems vary - green, white, orange, red, pink. rich flavor, reliable producer.

Chard harvest

Fordhook Giant Chard (Heirloom)

Days to germination: 7-14
Germination temperature: 65-75°F
Planting: direct sow or transplant
Sow depth: 3/4"
Days to maturity: 50
Plant spacing: 12"
Row spacing: 6"
Light: full sun/some shade
Water: frequent; tolerates dry spells once established
Harvesting: as soon as leaves are of desireable size. Regrows well when only some leaves are removed at a time.
Characteristics: Huge leaves and stems, reliable producer, regrows rapidly when cut.

Fertilization

A balanced soil rich in organic matter is ideal for chard, but it can do well in recovering soils as well. Start seeds with a good supply of NPK and macro and micronutrients with fish and seaweed liquid fertilizer or FPJ. Offer again in late summer if pest pressure is high and the plant is stressed.

Pests and Disease

Like most organically grown leafy greens, chard is frequently subject to pest pressure. Remove any leaves with significant damage to allow the plant to put its energy towards growing new leaves. Most pest issues wax and wane throughout the season - plants, in good health, recover quickly.

• Slugs cut holes sporadically across the leaves and sometimes around the edges of the leaves. They are most challenging in the spring when plants are young. Saucers of beer (the cheapest you can get) works as a bait and is the best form of management we have found. Hand removing early in the morning and late in the afternoon can also help. Limit the amount of mulch used around the plants as slugs thrive in wet, covered conditions.

• Cabbage loopers can decimate leaves pretty quickly and will make the swiss chard look more like swiss cheese. In our experience they come in strong in late summer. Handpick and remove damaged leaves. Boost plant nutrients to support innate immunity.

• Grasshoppers can be an issue in the summertime. They are frequently found hiding in the leaves, though in our experience their damage is minimal compared to other pests.

• Groundhogs will eat whole leaves, but rarely decimate all the plants. Plant plenty and know that what they do eat will quickly regrow. In our experience they get bored with it after a visit or two.

Storage

Chard does well stored in the refrigerator in plastic bags with plenty of air around it, or in plastic bins with snap lids. Leaves should be dry before refrigerating to prevent rot. Cut stems short to prevent plant dehydration. Stems can be stored separately, cooked immediately, or composted.

Preservation

Freezing

Chard leaves and stems can be blanched and frozen. Separate leaves from stems. Submerge leaves in boiling water for 1 minute; stems for 2 minutes. Remove and place in ice water until cool. Drain thoroughly and pack into freezer zip-lock bags (bag stems and leaves separately). Remove all air, label and date.

How To Freeze Swiss Chard

Canning

Greens of any kind are a low-acid food and must be pressure canned for a safe, long shelf-life.

USDA Complete Guide to Home Canning