Chard

Plant family

Goosefoot family (Chenopodiaceae)

Also known as

Swiss Chard

Season Overview

Details

Light requirement

Semi-shaded

Water requirement

Wet

Soil

Light (sandy)

Nutrient requirement

Medium

Plant distance

30 cm

Row spacing

40 cm

Seeding depth

1 cm

Instructions

Mid of March

Propagating

Description

Biennial goosefoot with two groups of varieties: stem or ribbed chard and leaf or cut chard. Stem chard forms a very large leaf vein that can be prepared like asparagus. Leafy chard forms a much smaller leaf vein, but large leaves that can be used like spinach or raw as a salad ingredient when young.

Growing tips

When sowing, chard likes humus and nutrient-rich soil and should then be kept moist. After germination, it is advisable to remove seedlings that grow too densely. Chard tolerates light frost and can remain outdoors in mild winter regions. Chard leaves can be harvested continuously from approx. 2 months after sowing, chard stems after approx. 3 months. If only the outer leaves are removed and the plant is watered, the chard will grow back. A cultivation break of 3-4 years should be observed in relation to other goosefoot plants.