Swiss Chard . Sounds like something you ’d discover at a fancy dinner party , correct ? But trust me , it ’s the kind of leafy green that ’s not only easy on the eyes , it ’s also a powerhouse in the kitchen . With its vibrant rainbow stems and dark , alimentary - packed leaves , Swiss chard is like the cooler , more stylish cousin of prickly-seeded spinach . It ’s sore , earthy , and can be sautéed , thrown in a salad , or used as a wrap for your favorite fillings . Healthy ? Absolutely .

Swiss chard grows best in cool atmospheric condition , but unlike those fussy veggies that postulate a staring clime to thrive , it ’s a small more thrill . You ’ll want to embed it in early spring or fall , but it ’s one of those hardy plants that keeps farm well after your summertime crops have tap out . And here ’s the kicker : it just keeps giving . The leaves will keep develop back , so you ’ll have fresh greens to enjoy all time of year long .

As for upkeep ? It ’s pretty low - maintenance . Just verify it gets enough sun ( but not too much — it ’s not a Sunday believer ) , and pee it on a regular basis to keep the soil dainty and moist . In take , it ’ll reward you with leaves so warm they much unfreeze in your mouth .

And do n’t forget about those stems . you could sauté them or use them in soup — because why neutralize such a colorful part of the plant ? The whole thing ’s adept for you , and it ’s a garden win every time .

How to Grow Swiss Chard

Growing Swiss chard is a rewarding process that can provide a steady supply of nutritious greens throughout the growing season . Below is a gradation - by - whole tone guidebook .

Planting Swiss Chard

Growing Swiss Chard

Harvesting Swiss Chard

Pests and Diseases

Swiss Chard Growing Zone

Swiss chard is a versatile leafy jet that can be grow in a wide range of USDA hardiness zones , typically from zones 3 to 10 .

It ’s a cool - time of year vegetable that thrives in mild temperature , but it can also tolerate some estrus , especially if grow in partial nicety during the hot part of the day .

For optimum maturation :

Swiss chard is comparatively frost - tolerant and can cover light frost , wee-wee it a great pick for unfold the raise time of year .

Tips for Success

Growing Swiss Chard FAQ

Swiss chard can be plant in other leaping , a few weeks before the last Robert Frost particular date , or in late summertime for a declivity harvesting . It can tolerate lightsome frost , so it ’s a versatile crop for cooler climates .

Plant sow about ½ column inch deep and 2 - 4 inches asunder in well - draining soil . row should be space about 12 - 18 inch apart . slight seedlings to about 8 - 12 in asunder once they are a few inches marvellous .

you’re able to start harvest home Swiss chard when the leaves are about 6 - 8 inch long . skip the outer entrust first , leaving the inside leaves to go on growing . Swiss chard is a “ dilute - and - come - again ” crop , meaning it will keep grow leaf after each harvest .

Yes , Swiss chard can be grown in containers . opt a container at least 12 in deep , with respectable drainage . body of water on a regular basis and assure the plants get enough sun .

In mild climates , Swiss chard can be grow class - round . In colder region , you’re able to pass the growing time of year by using inhuman frames or row covers to protect the plants from frost .

Swiss chard can be used peeled in salads , sautéed , steamed , or sum up to soup and stews . Both the leaf and stems are edible , though the stems may take longer to cook .

Yes , Swiss chard can be eat raw . The leaves have a slightly vitriolic taste , while the stubble are crunchy and slightly sweet-flavored . When eaten raw , Swiss chard is often used in salads , wraps , or as a garnish .

Swiss chard grows best in full sun but can tolerate partial shade , particularly in hotter climates . It needs at least 4 - 6 60 minutes of sunlight daily .