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Beta vulgaris, Cicla Group

Swiss Chard

Swiss chard is a vegetable that is in the same family as the common beet, however while the root of the beet is commonly eaten, it's the leaves of the Swiss chard that are consumed. Recent nutritional analysis has shown that Swiss chard is second only to spinach on the world's healthiest vegetable list. Packed with anthocyanins and fiber it's one of the most antioxidant rich foods as demonstrated in the vivid colors of the leaves.

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The Growing Guide

Soil Temp for Germ 50–75°F
Seed Depth ½"
Seed Spacing 2–3"
Days to Emergence 5–17
Thin Plants to 10–16"
Row Spacing 18–24"
Fertilizer Needs Medium
Minimum Germination 75%
Seeds per Gram ≈ 50
Seed Life 2 years

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More About The Seeds & Plants

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Beta vulgaris, Cicla Group

Days to maturity are calculated from date of direct seeding.

Culture
• Swiss chard grows best in cool weather and overwinters in mild climates
• Apply 1 cup of TSC's Complete fertilizer per 5 row feet, and 1 inch of compost
• Cover beds with row cover if temperatures are cool

Direct Sowing
• Sow mid-spring through summer
• Thin when plants reach a height of 3 inches

Transplanting
• Start indoors 3-4 weeks before anticipated transplant date
• Start June-July for transplanting July-August for a fall/winter crop

Insects & Diseases
• Common insects: Aphids, leaf miners, flea beetles, and leaf hoppers
• Insect control: Pick off affected leaves and check for eggs — spray with Pyrethrin, use silver mulch
• Common diseases: Leaf spot
• Disease prevention: 3-4 year crop rotation, remove debris

Harvest & Storage
• Harvest leaves from the outside using a sharp knife, taking care not to damage the growing point; leave young leaves to continue growing
• Leaves can be harvested once the plant is 6-8 inches tall
• Harvest regularly to encourage production
• Extend your season by utilizing floating row covers
• Rinse the leaves then store in the fridge in ventilated bags
• Store at 36°F and 95% relative humidity

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Our Favorite Swiss Chard

With its vibrant stems and tender, flavorful leaves, Peppermint Swiss Chard is our "employee favorite." Easy to grow and highly productive, it adds both color and taste to any dish. Its reliable harvests and striking appearance make it a favorite in the garden.

Peppermint Swiss Chard

Vegetable | swiss chard

From $13.95

53-63 days. Standing alone as the only two-toned Swiss chard, Peppermint's clean white stems sport blazing fuchsia streaks, making it not only one of our most eye-catching varieties, but its coloration also reveals a potent antioxidant content. Topped off with wide, rumpled, lustrous, green leaves, Peppermint provides ample harvests of wholesome fresh greens for both warm and cool weather plantings.