General |
|
The succulent leaves of Swiss chard can be used much like spinach. You can even use the big ones to wrap "cabbage rolls". The colourful stems can be cooked like asparagus. Enjoy the small leaves in salad. They grow easily and well in our climate and stand in the garden for many months, giving a long harvest from one planting.
|
| |
Latin |
Beta vulgaris var. cicia
Amaranthaceae family.
|
| |
Difficulty |
|
Easy.
|
| |
Season & Zone |
Season: Cool season.
Exposure: Full-sun early in the season; Part-shade in the summer.
Zone: All.
|
| |
Planting Seeds |
For salad mix: seed densely and cut as baby leaves. For full size: Thin to 15cm (10") apart. Seeds germinate in 5-15 days, depending on soil temperature. Sow in rows 45cm (18") apart, 10 seeds per 30cm (1'), 1cm (1/2") deep. Farm: 100' row: 14g. Acre: 3-4kg.
In optimal conditions at least 75% of seeds will germinate. Soil temperature for germination: 10-30ºC (50-85ºF). Usual seed life: 3 years.
|
| |
Preparing Soil |
|
Swiss chard prefers loose, deep and fertile soil that has lots of added organic matter. The optimal pH range is 6.0 to 7.0. Plenty of consistent moisture is required, especially as plants grow larger. Be sure to plant Swiss chard in full sun, but it can tolerate some shade in the Summer.
|
| |
Planting |
|
Sow mid-Apr to early Aug. Moderately winter-hardy. Grow like beets; it has a large deep root and does not transplant well.
|
| |
Harvest |
|
Cut individual stalks using the large outside ones first. Or snip when small for salads.
|
| |
Companion Plants |
|
Carrot, Beet.
|
| |
