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Swiss Chard Sowing Instructions
Planting Depth:1/4”-1/2”
Row Spacing:16”-20”
Plant Spacing:10”-12”
Days to Germination:7-12 days
Germination Temperature:45°-65°F
Chard has compound seeds, which may produce several seedlings. Soak seed in bathtub-warm water for an hour before sowing. Planting Chard in soil too cold results in bolting (going directly to seed). Wait until soil has warmed to over 45°F, about 2 weeks before the last expected frost date. It may also be grown for fall/winter use if started in the middle of the summer. Chard likes evenly moist, moderately fertile soil amended with compost and/or well-rotted manure. A light sprinkling of complete organic fertilizer ensures lush growth. When seedlings are about 3" tall, thin them to 3" to 5"apart. Later, thin the plants out to an eventual spacing of 10" to 12". Steam thinnings or toss in soups or salads. To harvest Chard leaves, cut the large outside leaves first. Chard may also be sown thickly and snipped with scissors for ‘baby’ greens.
Shade Tolerance
Deer Resistant Seed Varieties
Easy Direct-Sow Swiss Chard
Planting Depth:1/4”-1/2”
Row Spacing:16”-20”
Plant Spacing:10”-12”
Days to Germination:7-12 days
Germination Temperature:45°-65°F
Chard has compound seeds, which may produce several seedlings. Soak seed in bathtub-warm water for an hour before sowing. Planting Chard in soil too cold results in bolting (going directly to seed). Wait until soil has warmed to over 45°F, about 2 weeks before the last expected frost date. It may also be grown for fall/winter use if started in the middle of the summer. Chard likes evenly moist, moderately fertile soil amended with compost and/or well-rotted manure. A light sprinkling of complete organic fertilizer ensures lush growth. When seedlings are about 3" tall, thin them to 3" to 5"apart. Later, thin the plants out to an eventual spacing of 10" to 12". Steam thinnings or toss in soups or salads. To harvest Chard leaves, cut the large outside leaves first. Chard may also be sown thickly and snipped with scissors for ‘baby’ greens.
Shade Tolerance
Deer Resistant Seed Varieties
Easy Direct-Sow Swiss Chard
