Swiss Chard

Amaranthaceae

UNIQUE: the only green that is both heat-tolerant AND cold-tolerant. Biennial — will NOT flower until it has experienced a winter, so ZERO danger of bolting in summer heat. Growth slows above 85°F but resumes when temps cool. This makes chard the BRIDGE CROP that fills the June-August gap when all other greens have bolted. Same species as beet. Seed is multi-germ cluster — thin to one plant. 'Bright Lights' (multicolor), 'Fordhook Giant' (white), 'Rhubarb' (red). Overwinters zones 8+ for second year production.

At a Glance

Days to Maturity

50–60 days

Sun

6+ hours

Spacing

6–12 "

Container

Yes

3+ gallon pot

Height

1.5–2 ft

Zone Planting Guide

Your USDA Zone:

Growing Guide

Germination

Germination Time 5–14 days

Optimal Temp 68°F

Seed Depth 0.5"

Watering

Weekly Water 1–1.5 "

Needs Moderate-consistent

Soil

pH Range 6–7

Resilience

Heat: Medium Cold: Medium Drought: Medium

Nutrition

Feeding Intensity Heavy feeder

Harvest

Storage 7 days

Sources

university UMN Extension — Growing Swiss Chard university Wisconsin Extension — Swiss Chard university UMD Extension — Growing Swiss Chard university USU Extension — Swiss Chard extension Growing Swiss Chard in a Home Garden (University of Maryland Extension) extension Cool Season Greens Production (Oklahoma State University Extension, PDF)

More Vegetables

Swiss Chard Planting Dates by Zone

Planting dates for Swiss Chard vary by USDA hardiness zone. Select your zone below for frost dates, start-indoors timing, and a full monthly planting calendar.

Zone 5A Zone 5B Zone 6A Zone 6B Zone 7A Zone 7B Zone 8A Zone 8B Zone 9A Zone 9B

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