Swiss Chard Seeds - Ruby Red Rhubarb - Beta vulgaris

2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11

USDA Zones 2-11 - Grows as a hardy and productive annual in nearly all zones. It is a biennial plant that can often overwinter in milder climates (Zones 7 and above) to provide an extra-early spring harvest before going to seed.

Best performance in Zones 4-9 where it thrives in the mild temperatures of spring and fall. Its superior heat tolerance allows it to perform better through the summer than most other cooking greens.

Northern Zones (2-5) - Direct sow seeds in spring after the danger of hard frost has passed. It will grow vigorously through the summer and produce a heavy crop well into the fall, tolerating the first light frosts of the season with ease.

Hot Climate Zones (9-11) - An outstanding choice for fall, winter, and spring gardens. Sow seeds in early spring for a late-spring/early-summer harvest, or sow in late summer for a continuous harvest from fall through winter. Providing afternoon shade can help it persist through peak summer heat.

Soil Temperature - Germinates well in cool soil starting at 50F, but the optimal temperature range for quick sprouting is 60-75F. Seeds can take 7-14 days to emerge.

Growing Season - Very fast-growing. Harvest tender baby leaves in just 30 days or wait 50-60 days for full-sized leaves and stalks. Its "cut-and-come-again" nature means the harvest season lasts for many months from a single planting.

Learn more about USDA Hardiness Zones here

Planting Ruby Red Rhubarb Swiss Chard Seeds
This beautiful and tasty green is one of the easiest vegetables to grow in the garden. Follow these instructions for a long and bountiful harvest.

When to Plant
Swiss chard is very adaptable. It can be planted in both spring and fall.

Spring Planting: Sow seeds directly in the garden 2-3 weeks before your average last frost date. The seedlings are frost-tolerant.

Fall Planting: Sow seeds in late summer, about 8-10 weeks before your average first fall frost date, for a delicious fall and early winter crop.

Where to Plant
Sunlight: Chard thrives in full sun to partial shade. In hot climates, a spot with morning sun and afternoon shade is ideal to keep the plant productive through summer.

Soil: Plant in rich, fertile, well-drained soil with a pH between 6.0 and 7.0. Work a generous amount of compost or well-rotted manure into the soil before planting, as chard is a heavy feeder.

How to Plant
Important Note: A chard "seed" is actually a dried fruit containing several individual seeds. This makes thinning essential for proper plant development.

Sowing: Plant seeds 1/2 inch deep and about 2-3 inches apart.

Spacing: Space rows 18-24 inches apart to give the plants plenty of room to grow.

Watering: Water the area well after planting and keep the soil consistently moist until the seedlings emerge.

Thinning is Essential: When seedlings are 3-4 inches tall, you must thin them to their final spacing. Snip the weaker seedlings at the soil line, leaving the strongest plants standing 8-12 inches apart. The thinned baby greens are delicious in salads!

Care & Maintenance
Watering: Provide consistent and even moisture, about 1 inch of water per week. Drought-stressed plants can have a bitter flavor. Water at the base of the plant to keep the leaves dry and prevent disease.

Fertilizing: As a heavy producer of leaves, chard benefits from a mid-season boost. Side-dress the plants with compost or a balanced, nitrogen-rich organic fertilizer about a month after thinning.

Mulching: Apply a layer of organic mulch (like straw or shredded leaves) around the plants to conserve soil moisture, suppress weeds, and keep the soil cool.

How to Harvest
The best way to harvest is the "cut-and-come-again" method, which provides a continuous supply of greens for months.

Start Harvesting: You can begin harvesting once the outer leaves are 6-8 inches long.

Technique: Using a sharp knife or scissors, harvest the largest, outermost leaves at the base of the plant, about 1-2 inches above the soil.

Leave the Center: Always leave the smaller, inner leaves and the central growing point (the crown) untouched. The plant will continue to push out new growth from the center.

Harvest Often: Regular harvesting encourages the plant to produce more leaves. Aim to pick from each plant every week or two during peak season.