How 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.

Is Swiss chard easy to grow?
Does Swiss chard grow back every year?
How long does Swiss chard take to grow?
Will Swiss chard grow back after cutting?
What can I plant next to Swiss chard?
Can I grow Chard in pots?
Does Swiss chard need full sun?
Can Swiss chard survive winter?
Can Swiss chard be eaten raw?
Does Swiss chard need a lot of water?
Do you soak Swiss chard seeds before planting?

Is Swiss chard easy to grow?

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 grow 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.

How long does Swiss chard take to grow?

Quick Reference Growing Chart

Time to Maturity:	50-60 days	Companion Planting:
Spacing:	12 inches	Avoid Planting With:
Planting Depth:	1/2 inch	Family:
Height:	8-24 inches	Subfamily:
Spread:	9-18 inches	Genus:

Will Swiss chard grow back after cutting?

Chard is best treated as a “cut-and-come-again” crop. This harvesting technique involves taking only a few older leaves at a time from each plant, allowing younger leaves to continue growing for additional harvests later in the season.

What can I plant next to Swiss chard?

Swiss chard – Beans, Brassicas, and onions make the best companions for chard. Thyme – An all around beneficial plant for the garden, thyme is particularly worth planting near Brassicas (as it repels cabbage moths), and strawberries, as it enhances flavour.

Can I grow Chard in pots?

Choose small young plants (not ones whose roots are already circling round, tightly bound in the pot) and tuck them in 15-20cm (6-8in) apart around the edges of large containers. Alternatively, give them a deep pot of their own with the same nutrient-rich compost. For extra colour add a few small-flowered pansies.

Does Swiss chard need full sun?

Can Swiss chard survive winter?

Swiss chard not only grows well in the hot temperatures of summer, but it also tolerates frost. In fact, chard may actually taste better when it's grown in cold weather. However, plants will be killed by temperatures below 15 degrees F.

Can Swiss chard be eaten raw?

Swiss chard leaves can be eaten raw or cooked. Raw Swiss chard is less bitter than cooked. A bunch of raw Swiss chard will cook to a much smaller amount. ... Sauté, steam or cook the stalks in a pan with water (1/2 cup per bunch) first, then add the leaves and cook until wilted.

Does Swiss chard need a lot of water?

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. You can measure the amount of water with a rain gauge in the garden.

Do you soak Swiss chard seeds before planting?

Growing Swiss chard from seed is very easy and germination rates are usually fairly high. You can get your seeds to perform even better, however, by soaking them in water for 15 minutes immediately before sowing. Plant your Swiss chard seeds at a depth of ½ inch (1.3 cm) in rich, loosened, moist soil.