How to Grow Swiss Chard

A year-round leafy for the home garden across the warmer US.

Swiss Chard is a rewarding year-round crop for backyard growers.

When to plant

In frost-free regions swiss chard can be grown almost year-round. Elsewhere, plant in the milder months on either side of summer. See your region on the swiss chard page for exact timing.

Varieties

• Fordhook Giant, Heavy-yielding green chard (Southern Exposure Seed Exchange)
• Bright Lights, Colorful stems, ornamental and edible (Johnny's Selected Seeds)

How to grow it

• Sun & soil: full sun, rich well-drained soil with even moisture.
• Spacing: about 30 cm (12 in) between plants.
• Sowing: sow about 1.5 cm deep.
• Water: roughly 5 L per plant every 2 days in hot weather.
• Containers: grows well in a pot of 30cm+.

Pests & problems

Watch for Leaf miner. In humid regions, Cercospora leaf spot can appear, so space for airflow and water at the roots in the morning.

Harvest

Swiss Chard is usually ready to harvest in about 2 months. Pick regularly to keep plants productive.

When to plant in your region

Pick your region to see exactly when to plant swiss chard where you garden.

See also: Swiss Chard in the plant library →

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