Basics

Ease of Growing
Easy
Grown as
Biennial
Days to Maturity
50 (Spring/Summer), 65 (Fall/Winter)
Growing Habit
-
Hardiness
Hardy

Very hardy, it will continue to grow through the winter in mild climates and can be frost tolerant.

Crops
Spring Transplant, Spring, Fall Transplant, Fall
Growing Season
Short, Long
Cultivar Type
-
Growing Conditions
Cold, Cool

Chard is one of the most shade tolerant of common crops, so can be grown underneath taller crops (in hot climates it may even benefit from this). In cool climates it should have full sun for maximum production of foliage.

Outdoor Growing Temp
40°F - 75°F
Min Outdoor Soil Temp
50°F

Chard will germinate at 40 degrees but it will take 6 weeks. A more practical temperature for planting outdoors is 50 degrees.

Start Indoors
Yes
Start Outdoors
Yes
Light
Sun: min. 6 hours daily (Cold, Cool)

In cool climates it needs full sun for maximum production of foliage.

Part shade (Warm)

Chard doesn’t like heat, so in hot climates it should be grown in part shade. It is one of the most shade tolerant of common crops.

Water
Moderate

Chard is relatively drought tolerant as a plant, though for highest quality and yields it should be well supplied with water.

Feeder
Light

Chard is a fairly hungry plant and will be most productive in a fertile soil.

Suitability
Tolerates light frost, Partial shade, Needs summer shade
Small Gardens?
Yes
Containers?
Yes

Chard does quite well in containers. Choose a pot with a depth of 8-12" and fill with a mixture of potting soil and compost. Make sure your pot has adequate drainage by choosing one with drainage holes. Water thoroughly and place in full sun. Make sure to keep the soil moist.

Attracts beneficial insects?
No
Color
Shiny green leaves with silvery-white midribs
Fruit Size
- "
Plant Height
15.0 - 24.0"
Plant Diameter
8.0 - 12.0"
Hardiness Zone
2-10
Disease Resistance
Taste Profile

Mild, mellow-tasting greens with crunchy stalks.

Rotation Group
Leaves: Brassicas + Leafy Greens