Seeds
A colorful, nutrient-dense leafy green that thrives in both warm and cool weather.
Swiss Chard is an incredibly resilient and productive vegetable that provides continuous harvests of large, crinkled leaves. Unlike many greens, it tolerates summer heat well while also withstanding light frosts, ensuring a long growing season. The earthy, slightly sweet leaves can be used much like spinach, while the crisp, celery-like stems are excellent sautéed or pickled.
Light
Grows best in full sun with 6 or more hours a day, and tolerates light afternoon shade in the hottest months.
Water
Needs consistent moisture, especially as the plants grow larger. Water deeply when the top 2 to 3 cm dries, about every 2 to 3 days in warm weather, and mulch to keep the roots cool and the stems tender.
Humidity
Average humidity suits it and it is not fussy. Water at soil level and keep plants spaced so the leaves dry quickly, which also helps against leaf miners and leaf spot.
Temperature
Very adaptable, growing well from roughly 5 to 35 C, and it keeps producing in 35 C+ heat with some afternoon shade and regular water. It can be sown through most of the year, with autumn to winter giving the best leaves.
Pets and children
Pet-safe
Soil
Rich, moist, well drained soil with plenty of organic matter and a pH between 6.0 and 6.8. Mix compost or vermicompost into garden soil or a cocopeat based potting mix before sowing.
Fertilizer
Mix a balanced fertiliser into the soil at planting and feed again about every 4 weeks, or give a boost halfway through the season if growth slows. Cut the outer leaves regularly and the plant will keep producing.
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