Chard
Beta vulgaris subsp. vulgaris
Swiss chard is a hardy leafy green suited to direct sowing or transplanting in cool spring and autumn windows. Outer leaves can be harvested repeatedly from a single crown over many weeks, with maturity roughly 50–65 days from sowing. Part-sun tolerance and steady moisture help leaves stay tender when brief heat arrives.
Plant family Amaranthaceae · Also called Swiss chard, silverbeet
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Sow or transplant in cool windows.
Either direct sow outdoors from four weeks before the last frost through about one week after it, or start indoors 4–6 weeks before frost at 1.3 cm depth. Germination is 5–14 days.
Hardy frost tolerance supports early outdoor sowings. Resow about every 21 days in suitable weather to replace plants that slow in midsummer heat.
Use this range as a planning baseline and adjust for local conditions.
Use this range as a planning baseline and adjust for local conditions.
Use this range as a planning baseline and adjust for local conditions.
Use this range as a planning baseline and adjust for local conditions.
Harvest outer leaves from a wide crown.
Allow 20–30 cm between plants and 45 cm between rows. Leafy crowns widen outward; wider spacing suits full-size leaves.
Containers need at least 25 cm depth and about 10 litres of medium. Standard space need reflects both height and spreading foliage.
Core measurements
Crop-level planning range.
Crop-level planning range.
Crop-level planning range.
Crop-level planning range.
Allow for the mature form of the selected variety.
Install support early when it is required or useful.
Keep moisture even in heat spells.
Four hours of direct sun satisfies part-sun tolerance, though brighter cool sites thicken leaves faster.
Moderate water at 25–35 mm weekly with pH 6.0–7.5. The key tip recommends harvesting outer leaves first so the center keeps producing.
Sunlight
Part sun tolerant (4+ direct-sun hours/day)
Soil pH
A suitable acidity range for general growth.
Weekly water
Moderate water need.
Aim for even moisture and water deeply when the upper 2-3 cm of soil begins to dry.
Plan maturity from sowing.
Expect 50–65 days from sowing for full plants, but outer leaves can be picked earlier on established crowns. Continual harvest extends usefulness beyond a single cut.
Harvest basis is sowing. Remove oldest leaves first and leave the growing point intact for repeated picks through the season.
Read with the full crop profile.
Read with the full crop profile.
Read with the full crop profile.
Read with the full crop profile.
Harvest outer leaves first so the center continues producing over a long season.
Chard growing questions
How should chard be harvested?
Pick outer leaves first while the center continues producing, following the key tip for a long harvest.
Can chard be started indoors?
Yes. Indoor start is listed 4–6 weeks before the last frost, with direct sowing also allowed in the outdoor frost window.
Is chard frost hardy?
Frost tolerance is hardy, which supports early spring plantings and autumn growth in many climates.
What succession timing is listed for chard?
Resow about every 21 days when temperatures allow fresh stands to replace heat-stressed plants.
Profile values are crop-level planning ranges compiled from sources S1,S2,S3,S4. Local climate and variety can change actual results.
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