How to Plant Swiss Chard: A StepbyStep Gardening Guide
How to Plant Swiss Chard?
To plant Swiss chard, start by sowing the seeds in shallow drills, approximately 1.5cm deep, in well-prepared soil.
Cover the seeds with soil and water them well.
As the plants grow, thin them out, leaving them 25-30cm apart.
Swiss chard can be grown in containers or flower borders.
The fully-formed leaves are ready to harvest 10-12 weeks after sowing.
To protect against pests such as slugs, snails, and beet leaf miner, use netting and practice crop rotation.
Swiss chard is a nutritious vegetable, rich in vitamins and minerals, and can be used in traditional Swiss cuisine.
Key Points:
- Start by sowing Swiss Chard seeds in shallow drills in well-prepared soil
- Cover the seeds with soil and water them well
- Thin the plants as they grow, leaving them 25-30cm apart
- Swiss Chard can be grown in containers or flower borders
- Harvest fully-formed leaves 10-12 weeks after sowing
- Protect against pests with netting and crop rotation
Did You Know?
1. Did you know that Swiss chard is actually not native to Switzerland? In fact, it originated in the Mediterranean region and was later introduced to the Swiss Alps, which is how it acquired its name.
2. Swiss chard comes in a variety of vibrant colors, including red, yellow, orange, and even rainbow! These colorful stems not only make for an attractive addition to any garden but also provide a variety of health benefits.
3. If you’re looking for a low-maintenance leafy green, Swiss chard is your go-to! It is quite resilient and can thrive in a range of climates, making it an excellent choice for both beginner and experienced gardeners.
4. While Swiss chard is often praised for its delicious and nutritious leaves, its stems are also edible and packed with flavor. Don’t discard them! Instead, consider sautéing or pickling the stems to add a delightful crunch to your meals.
5. Did you know that you can regrow Swiss chard from scraps? Just like celery or lettuce, you can place the leftover stem with some water in a sunny spot, and it will regenerate new leaves for you to enjoy. This is a fantastic way to get even more out of your Swiss chard harvest!
Planting Swiss Chard: Sowing And Watering
Swiss chard is a versatile and nutritious vegetable that can be easily grown in your garden. To successfully plant Swiss chard, follow these simple steps.
First, prepare the soil by removing any weeds and loosening it with a garden fork or tiller. Swiss chard prefers well-prepared soil, so make sure it is well-drained and has a pH level between 6.0 and 6.8.
Once the soil is ready, create shallow drills approximately 1.5cm deep. Sow Swiss chard seeds along the drills and cover them with soil. Afterward, water the area thoroughly to ensure proper germination. Swiss chard seeds usually take 7 to 14 days to sprout, so be patient and keep the soil moist during this period.
As the Swiss chard plants start to grow, they should be thinned out to provide enough space for each plant to thrive. Leave a gap of 25-30cm between each plant to ensure they have enough room for their roots to expand. Thinning out the plants also allows for better air circulation and reduces the risk of disease.
Care And Maintenance Of Swiss Chard
Swiss chard is a low-maintenance plant that can be easily grown in containers or flower borders, making it an ideal addition to any garden. It thrives in partial to full sun and requires moderate watering. It is essential to maintain consistent moisture, especially during dry spells, to keep the plants healthy.
To promote the growth of edible leaves, which are the main part of the plant, it is beneficial to add a slow-release fertilizer rich in nitrogen. Follow the instructions provided by the manufacturer for the application of the fertilizer. Additionally, adding compost to clay-dense soil can improve its texture and nutrient content, enhancing the overall health of the Swiss chard.
If the plants start to bolt to seed, meaning they are growing flowers and trying to produce seeds, pruning may be necessary. To prevent this, promptly remove the flower stalk as soon as it appears. Pruning in this manner can extend the productive life of your Swiss chard plants.
- Swiss chard is relatively low maintenance and can be grown in containers or flower borders
- Requires partial to full sun and moderate water
- Aim for consistent moisture, especially during dry spells
- Apply nitrogen-rich, slow-release fertilizer following the manufacturer’s instructions
- Adding compost to clay-dense soil improves texture and nutrient content
- Prune by removing flower stalks to prevent the plants from bolting to seed
Harvesting Swiss Chard And Nutritional Value
Swiss chard is renowned for its delicious and nutrient-rich leaves. The fully-formed leaves can be harvested 10-12 weeks after sowing. For optimal growth, it is recommended to first pick the outer leaves and allow the inner leaves to continue growing. This method, known as cut-and-come-again, enables a continuous harvest throughout the growing season.
The nutritional value of Swiss chard is impressive. It is loaded with essential vitamins and minerals, including vitamins A, C, K, and the vitamin B group. Moreover, a mere cup of chopped Swiss chard contains only 35 calories, making it an excellent and healthy addition to any diet.
Pests And Diseases Of Swiss Chard
Swiss chard, although low-maintenance, can be susceptible to pests and diseases. Common pests that attack Swiss chard include aphids, darkling beetles, flea beetles, and beet leafhoppers. These pests can cause damage to the leaves and hinder the plant’s growth.
To control aphids, spray the plant with neem oil, horticultural oils, or insecticidal soap. Natural predators such as ladybugs and lacewings can also help control their population. Darkling beetles can be hand-picked, and maintaining a clean garden area by removing debris can reduce their numbers. For flea beetles, use spinosad or pyrethrin. As for beet leafhoppers, insecticidal soap and pyrethrin blend can eliminate them.
Apart from pests, Swiss chard is prone to diseases like beet curly top virus and fungal root rot. Prevent these diseases by using well-draining soil, avoiding overwatering, and practicing good garden hygiene. Unfortunately, there is no known treatment for beet curly top virus, so prevention becomes crucial.
Storage And Preservation Of Swiss Chard
To make the most of your Swiss chard harvest, it is essential to know how to properly store and preserve it. Swiss chard can be eaten fresh, blanched, or frozen for long-term storage.
For short-term storage, cut the stalks at the base, place them in a container with water, and cover the leaves with a plastic bag. Store the container in the refrigerator, and the Swiss chard will stay fresh for up to a week.
If you want to store Swiss chard for a slightly longer time, wrap the stalks and leaves in paper towels and place them in a plastic bag in the crisper drawer. This method can keep the Swiss chard fresh for 3-4 days.
To freeze Swiss chard, blanch the leaves in boiling water for 2-3 minutes, then transfer them to an ice bath to cool. Once cooled, drain the leaves and store them in airtight containers or freezer bags. Frozen Swiss chard can be stored for up to 8-12 months.
Additional Tips For Growing Swiss Chard
Here are some additional tips to help you successfully grow Swiss chard:
- Swiss chard should be planted 2 to 3 weeks before the last frost date in your area.
- Good companion plants for Swiss chard include Brassicas, celery, chamomile, coreopsis, lettuce, mint, nasturtium, radishes, and sweet alyssum. These plants can provide shade, attract beneficial insects, and improve soil health.
- Swiss chard is not recommended to be allowed to flower, as this signals the end of leaf production. However, if you want to save seeds or allow the plants to complete their life cycle, you can let them flower and produce seeds.
- In mild winter areas, Swiss chard can survive and regrow after winter with the right conditions. In colder regions, it is generally grown as an annual plant.
- Swiss chard is a member of the Amaranthaceae family and is closely related to beets. However, while beets are primarily grown for their roots, Swiss chard is cultivated for its edible leaves.
- Swiss chard goes by various names, including silverbeet, perpetual spinach, seakale beet, leaf beet, and beet spinach. These names reflect its widespread popularity and cultural significance in different regions.
- Swiss chard is believed to have originated from a wild version of beet native to the Mediterranean. It has since been naturalized in Europe and the Americas, although it is rarely consumed outside of Europe.
- Swiss chard is slightly frost-hardy but may not survive extremely cold winters. Mulching the plants can provide additional protection during freezing temperatures.
By following these planting and care instructions, you can enjoy a bountiful harvest of fresh and nutritious Swiss chard from your own garden. Experiment with different cultivars, such as the colorful ‘Bright Lights,’ to add a vibrant touch to your meals.
- So, get ready to plant Swiss chard and embark on a rewarding gardening journey!
Frequently Asked Questions
How do you make Swiss chard grow faster?
To boost the growth of Swiss chard, there are a few key factors to consider. Firstly, ensure that the plants are receiving ample sunlight, as Swiss chard thrives in full sun. Additionally, make sure the soil is well-drained and enriched with organic matter such as compost. This will provide essential nutrients for the plants and promote healthy growth. Regular watering, observing proper spacing between plants, and removing weeds can further aid in accelerating Swiss chard’s growth.
Is Swiss chard difficult to grow?
Swiss chard is a relatively low-maintenance plant that is quite easy to grow. By following a few simple steps, you can successfully cultivate this nutritious green leafy vegetable. Starting from seed, a short pre-soak can help accelerate seed germination. Plant the seeds about ½ inch deep and ensure a minimum distance of 2 inches between them in a row. Once the seedlings develop their first true leaves, thin them to about 12 inches apart. With these straightforward instructions, growing Swiss chard can be a rewarding and hassle-free experience.
Should you soak Swiss chard before planting?
While it may be beneficial to soak seeds overnight before sowing to enhance germination rates, this practice is not usually necessary for Swiss chard. Swiss chard seeds typically germinate within a span of 5 to 7 days at temperatures around 60°F to 65°F (16-18°C). However, if the soil is particularly cold, germination might be delayed and take up to 3 weeks. To ensure successful germination, it is crucial to maintain consistently moist soil until the seeds sprout, but be cautious as germination will not occur in soil chillier than 50°F (10°C).
How long does it take for chard to grow?
Chard typically takes approximately 10-12 weeks to grow fully-formed leaves that are ready for harvest. However, late summer sowings might require a little more time. By cutting individual leaves as needed, the plant will continue producing fresh growth.