Swiss Chard comes in all shades of the colors of the rainbow. In fact there is a variety called Rainbow, and another called Bright Lights that will have your Swiss Chard popping up in all kinds of color. But enough about how cool Swiss Chard looks growing in your home vegetable garden. Let’s talk about how you actually grow Swiss Chard.
Swiss Chard seeds are not too large, but not very small either. You can get away with planting Swiss Chard seeds a half inch deep. Your Swiss Chard will produce plenty of energy to push the growing young plant through the surface.
Start your Swiss Chard seeds indoors, in a greenhouse or in a cold frame, where the warmth will help your Swiss Chard seeds germinate faster. Under optimal conditions you can expect your Swiss Chard seeds to germinate in five to seven days.
Once your Swiss Chard has germinated, and fear of frost has subsided in your area, move your Swiss Chard to your outside vegetable garden. Space out your Swiss Chard plants eight to ten inches. You want to give their roots plenty of room to grow. As a side note, Swiss Chard makes a great companion plant to members of the cabbage family as well as lettuce, but not so much to beets or spinach.
Swiss Chard, like many other leafy vegetables, will do best in full sun, but produce well in a shaded environment. Be sure to give your Swiss Chard a moderate watering not letting the soil get too dry.
When the Swiss Chard leaves are near eight inches, they are ready to be harvested. Simply cut the stalks of your Swiss Chard plants about an inch above the soil to harvest. Your Swiss Chard plants will continue to grow when you do this.
Swiss Chard is rich in vitamins A, K & C, containing a great deal of the recommended daily consumption (214%, 716% and 53% respectively).
Additional Resources on How to Grow Swiss Chard
Three Plants to Start Now for the Fall Garden
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