Northern Lights Chard Seed

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.