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Swiss chard seeds can be direct sown any time after the last frost date, and the seeds will germinate once the soil temperature has reached 50°. For earlier harvests, Swiss chard may be started indoors three to four weeks before the last frost date. Sow seeds in sterile seed-starting mix, with two seeds per cell.
What is the best way to grow Swiss chard?
Swiss chard prefers rich, well-drained soil in full sun or light shade. In the North, sow from early spring to midsummer for a fall crop; in the South sow in fall to spring. Sow the seeds 1/2 inch deep in rows spaced 18 inches apart. Thin seedlings to 12 inches apart when they are large enough to handle.
Does Swiss chard come back every year?
Chard is a biennial plant, meaning it has a two year life cycle, but it is cultivated as an annual in the vegetable garden and harvested in its first season of growth. Once it begins to flower and set seed in its second year, its leaves turn bitter and unpalatable. Both the leaves and stalks of chard are edible.
Is it easy to grow Swiss chard?
Chard is generally easy to grow. It just needs enough room, water and a perhaps a bit of fertilizer. As part of your spring garden, you’ll want to get Swiss chard seed into the ground in early to mid-spring, or at least when you’re sure there’s no more chance of frost.
Does Swiss chard need full sun?
Prefers full sun early in the season, part shade in summer when it’s warm. Prefers deep, loose, fertile soil, high in organic matter, with pH 6.0 to 7.0. Needs consistent moisture, especially as plants grow large. Biennial grown as an annual.
Can I grow chard in pots?
Swiss chard can be grown successfully in containers and even in among your flower borders, where it will complement the hot colours of late summer flowers.
What month do you plant Swiss chard?
Plant Swiss chard in the spring, 2 to 4 weeks before the last frost date. These colorful, nutritious plants grow well in raised garden beds, containers, and in-ground gardens.
Do slugs eat chard?
Swiss chard is tempting to slugs, but if the plant is healthy, it will outgrow these battles.
How do you keep bugs off Swiss chard?
Swiss Chard Pests Sticky tape is an effective control, or you can apply a commercial spray containing pyrethrins or a homemade spray consisting of five parts water, two parts rubbing alcohol and 1 tablespoon (15 mL.) of liquid dish soap.
Does Swiss chard keep growing after cutting?
Chard can be harvested while the leaves are young and tender, smaller than 4 inches (10 cm.), or after maturity. Once you have begun your Swiss chard harvest, the plants can be continually harvested up until it frosts. As long as chard is cut it will produce more leaves.
What can you plant after Swiss chard?
Top Chard Companions Alliums. Alliums have at least two benefits as companion plants. Annual Flowers. There are many types of annual flowers that would be excellent neighbors for Swiss chard. Brassicas. Cabbage is widely cited in companion planting literature as a suitable buddy for chard. Celery. Herbs. Legumes. Lettuce.
Should you let chard flower?
If you catch the bolting early and pinch off the flower stalk, you can probably salvage the leaves without too much extra bitterness. Another thing you can do if you have bolting chard plants is let them go. This will allow the seeds to develop, which you can collect to use later.
How long does chard take to grow?
Swiss chard grows fast, and it is usually ready to harvest four to six weeks after planting. One crop planting can supply leaves for months. Begin harvesting when the plant reaches 9 inches tall, though the tender baby leaves can be used in fresh salads.
How often should I water chard?
Like all vegetables, Swiss chard does best with a nice, even supply of water. Water regularly, applying 1 to 1.5 inches of water per week if it doesn’t rain.
How many chard seeds are in a hole?
To plant it in your garden, push seeds 1/2″ deep and about 10″ apart. If you plant more than one seed per hole, thin them to one every 10″ when they are about 1″ tall.
Can you transplant chard?
You can transplant Swiss chard. For summer crops, plant seed indoors in early April or about four weeks before transplanting.
Can you grow Swiss chard in the summer?
Typically grown as a cool-season crop because it grows quickly and easily during the cooler temperatures of spring and fall, chard is tolerant of hotter temperatures, too. Its growth will slow down in summer, but chard’s higher heat tolerance makes it a great salad green to grow when it gets too hot out for the others.
Can you grow chard in a greenhouse?
Sow 1 seed per module which will produce 3-5 little plants. This is less likely to wash the seed around than the heavy spray from a watering can. Place your trays in your greenhouse, polytunnel, cold frame or windowsill to germinate. They should be ready to plant out in about 4 weeks.
Can Swiss chard grow in shade?
Swiss Chard Among vegetables, leafy greens are the most tolerant of shade, including kale, lettuce, spinach, arugula and chard. Related to both beets and spinach, Swiss chard tastes a little like both and is fairly easy to grow.
How tall does chard grow?
Quick Reference Growing Chart Plant Type: Annual or biennial vegetable Water Needs: Spacing: 12 inches Avoid Planting With: Planting Depth: 1/2 inch Family: Height: 8-24 inches Subfamily: Spread: 9-18 inches Genus:.
