Cardinal chard is known for its striking appearance, featuring deep crimson stalks and dark green leaves with vivid red veins. This chard makes an eye-catching statement in any garden while offering a rich, earthy flavor that pairs well with a variety of dishes. Its tender leaves and robust stems can be harvested for salads, soups, or sautés. Cardinal chard is perfect for those looking to combine ornamental appeal with culinary versatility.
Swiss Chard Growing Guide
Outdoor Sowing (Directly in the Garden)
- Timing: Sow Swiss chard seeds outdoors as soon as the soil can be worked in early spring, typically 2–4 weeks before the last frost date. For a fall harvest, sow seeds in late summer or early fall.
- Location: Choose a sunny spot or an area with partial shade. Swiss chard prefers loose, well-draining, and fertile soil.
- Soil Preparation: Loosen the soil to a depth of 8–10 inches and incorporate compost or well-rotted manure to improve fertility and drainage. Swiss chard grows best in soil with a pH of 6.0–7.0.
- Planting Seeds:
- Sow seeds 1/2 inch deep, spacing them 2–4 inches apart in rows.
- Space rows 12–18 inches apart for proper airflow and ease of harvesting.
- Thinning: Thin seedlings to 6–12 inches apart once they are about 2 inches tall to give each plant room to grow.
- Watering: Keep the soil consistently moist but not waterlogged. Water deeply and regularly, especially during dry periods.
Indoor Sowing (Starting Seeds Indoors)
- Timing: Start Swiss chard seeds indoors 4–6 weeks before the last expected frost date for an earlier harvest.
- Containers: Use seed trays or small pots with good drainage, filled with a light, well-draining seed-starting mix.
- Planting:
- Sow seeds 1/2 inch deep, placing 1–2 seeds per cell or pot.
- Cover lightly with soil and water gently.
- Germination:
- Maintain a temperature of 50–75°F for optimal germination.
- Expect seedlings to emerge within 7–14 days.
- Transplanting: Transplant seedlings outdoors when soil temperatures are consistently above 50°F and the plants have 2–3 sets of true leaves. Space plants 6–12 inches apart in rows.
General Care Tips for Swiss Chard
- Sunlight: Provide full sun for best growth, but Swiss chard can tolerate partial shade, especially in hotter climates.
- Watering: Water consistently to keep the soil evenly moist but not soggy. Mulch around plants to retain moisture and prevent weeds.
- Fertilizing: Swiss chard is a moderate feeder. Incorporate compost into the soil before planting and apply a balanced fertilizer every 4–6 weeks during the growing season.
- Weeding: Keep the area weed-free to reduce competition for nutrients and water. Mulching helps suppress weeds and maintain soil moisture.
- Harvesting: Harvest outer leaves when they are 6–8 inches long, cutting them at the base. Leave the inner leaves to continue growing for a continuous harvest. Alternatively, harvest the entire plant by cutting it 1–2 inches above the soil line, allowing it to regrow.
- Succession Planting: Sow seeds every 2–3 weeks during the growing season to ensure a steady supply of Swiss chard.
