Soil
Rich, well drained soil that holds moisture well.
Position
Sun or partial afternoon shade.
Frost tolerant
Yes. With mulch, plants are hardy to about 20°F.
Feeding
Not usually required is a mulch is used to keep soil moist.
Companions
Chinese Cabbage, Cabbage, Beans, Onion and Onions.
Spacing
Single Plants: 1′ 1″ (35cm) each way (minimum)
Rows: 11″ (30cm) with 1′ 3″ (40cm) row gap (minimum)
Sow and Plant
Sow direct into the ground in mid spring, and again in late summer for a fall crop. Sow seeds 4 inches apart, and thin to proper spacing. Can be started indoors if the roots are not disturbed as seedlings are transplanted.
Notes
Swiss chard is so beautiful that it should be grown where it is easily seen. A great vegetable for edible ornamental beds.
Harvesting
Twist leaves from the outside of the plant regularly from mid summer onwards. Plants regrow when cut back to 3 inches.
Troubleshooting
Cutworms can girdle seedlings, so be watchful when growing chard in spots recently vacated by grass.
