how big does chard grow

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How big does Swiss chard grow?

If you water them enough, Swiss chard can grow up to be two feet tall! If you harvest them when the leaves are smaller, they will keep producing more leaves like cut-and-come again salad greens. Can I Grow Swiss Chard Indoors? Yes, you can grow Swiss chard indoors! However, you need to be careful and make sure they get as much sun as possible.

What is a Chard plant?

Chard is a member of the beet family grown for its rosette of large, crinkly green leaves on thick red or white stalks. Plants can grow to 16 inches tall and leaves and stalks can be harvested several times over the course of a season on a cut-and-come-again schedule.

How long does it take for chard to grow?

Chard harvest. Chard will be ready for harvest in 55 to 60 days from sowing. Pick outside leaves as early as three inches long but before leaves grow to10 inches long. Older leaves will have an earthy flavor.

How deep do you plant Chard?

When you’re ready to plant the chard in the soil, it’s important to place it at the right depth. For seeds, plant them approximately ½- to ¾-inch deep. If you’re working with seedlings, plant them at soil level. Pay attention to how many seeds you plant too. The rule of thumb is eight to ten for every foot in the row.

Will Swiss chard keep growing?

Plant chard in the first spring and harvest leaves throughout the summer, then keep the chard plants in the garden all winter long. They will begin growing again the following spring, and you can enjoy early spring greens and a second summer's worth of leaves.

Will chard come back every year?

Swiss chard is a biennial, so it will grow for two years, surviving the winters in areas where temperatures do not dip below 15 degrees F. After the second year of growth, your chard plant will start to produce seed and it will not grow back the following year.

How big do Swiss chard plants get?

Quick Reference Growing ChartPlant Type:Annual or biennial vegetableWater Needs:Spacing:12 inchesAvoid Planting With:Planting Depth:1/2 inchFamily:Height:8-24 inchesSubfamily:Spread:9-18 inchesGenus:7 more rows•Sep 7, 2019

What does Swiss chard look like when growing?

5:226:19How to Grow Swiss Chard - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipIt's more robust than spinach. And I think has in some ways far more uses 9 inches apart but youMoreIt's more robust than spinach. And I think has in some ways far more uses 9 inches apart but you could grow it in the container. You could grow as we've said in the flower border.

Does chard regrow after cutting?

It is one of few vegetables that tolerates both hot and cold temperatures. Harvest either by cutting just the outer stalks with scissors or a sharp knife or cut a whole young plant off an inch or two above the soil. It will regrow.

Do slugs eat rainbow chard?

Swiss chard is tempting to slugs, but if the plant is healthy, it will outgrow these battles. More of a problem, particularly if you like to eat only the soft green parts, is beet leaf miner, which produces unpleasant blisters with a wriggling maggot in the middle.

How do you pick chard so it keeps growing?

1:382:21When and How to Harvest Chard (Rainbow and Swiss) - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipSo you'll come out here once or twice a week pull off a couple the bigger leaves to leave a goodMoreSo you'll come out here once or twice a week pull off a couple the bigger leaves to leave a good base of the other leaves intact. And it'll keep growing and that's how you harvest.

Can you eat chard raw?

Swiss chard leaves can be eaten raw or cooked. Raw Swiss chard is less bitter than cooked. A bunch of raw Swiss chard will cook to a much smaller amount. The stalks are thicker than the leaves so they take longer to cook.

How do you know when Swiss chard is ready to pick?

Harvest Swiss chard when the leaves are tender and big enough to eat. Swiss chard is ready for picking 30 days after sowing if you want baby leaves. Harvest chard 45 to 60 days after sowing if you want full-sized leaves with a thick midrib.

How often should I water chard?

Like all vegetables, Swiss chard does best with a nice, even supply of water. Water regularly, applying 1 to 1.5 inches of water per week if it doesn't rain.

Is Swiss chard invasive?

Swiss chard grows well next to peppermint (Mentha × piperita), hardy in U.S. Department of Agriculture plant hardiness zones 5 through 9. If you're planting mint, however, be aware that it grows aggressively and is considered invasive in some areas.

What can I plant next to Swiss chard?

Top Chard CompanionsAlliums. Alliums have at least two benefits as companion plants. ... Annual Flowers. There are many types of annual flowers that would be excellent neighbors for Swiss chard. ... Brassicas. Cabbage is widely cited in companion planting literature as a suitable buddy for chard. ... Celery. ... Herbs. ... Legumes. ... Lettuce.

How to grow Swiss chard in full sun?

You can start the seeds indoors and transplant them to the garden when they have 3 true leaves, or just plant them directly in the garden. 2. Plant In Full Sun. Plant the Swiss chard in full sun from mid-spring all the way through summer.

How to cook chard leaves?

After a few minutes, toss the chopped leaves on top. Grate a clove of garlic over the top. Drizzle another tablespoon of olive oil and the white balsamic vinegar over the leaves and cover again. I use less balsamic for tender chard, and a bit more to counter the bitterness of more mature chard.

What are the leaves of Swiss chard?

The leaves of Swiss chard are a lot like spinach and the stalks you would cook more like asparagus or green beans. My parents’ neighbour once harvested a bunch and I watched her cook it, and now that is the only way I do it. You cook the whole thing together in one pan with this special chop and cook method.

How to cook chard stems in a pan?

Set them aside. Chop the stems in 2″ long pieces and add them to a hot pan with the olive oil at the bottom. Place the pan on the stove and cover over medium-low heat. Make sure that there is enough moisture for the chard and that the stems are steaming, not frying up. Add a bit more water if they seem dry.

How long does it take for Swiss chard to sprout?

Seeds should start sprouting in 7-14 days. 3. Water And Care for the Swiss Chard. Water well through the growing season. As the plants grow larger, they will need more water. Pay close attention to the pH of the soil as the ideal pH for Swiss chard is 6.0-6.5.

How long does Swiss chard last?

It lasts for a really long time so you can grow it over many months and then harvest it over and over again during that time.

What is the beauty queen of the vegetable world?

You will learn everything you need to know, including the best types of containers to use and how to water them! Start some from seed and then you can add a few plants to your decorative planters as well. Chard is the beauty queen of the vegetable world, and it looks wonderful alongside ornamental plants.

What is the best green to grow with spinach?

If you’re a person who values your leafy greens, you may want to grow a crop of colorful Swiss chard ( Beta vulgaris subsp. cicla ). For people on a vegan or keto eating plan, chard is the perfect companion to spinach and kale.

What vegetables grow well in the winter?

As a winter vegetable, chard grows well with other root crops, like carrots , turnips , and parsnips . It also grows well with the aforementioned spinach and kale. This lovely and highly nutritious vegetable is happiest when the temperatures of spring and fall are cool and moderate.

How to grow chard from a chard plant?

Cut the outer leaves first to allow the tender inner leaves to grow. Once you’ve completely harvested a chard plant, go ahead and pull it up and toss the root into your compost. It’s finished. This will give your remaining plants more space to grow.

How tall should chard be to harvest?

You can go ahead and begin to harvest your greens when your chard plants are around 9-12 inches high (23-30 cm.). If you wait until they’re much taller than that, they’ll lose some of their flavor. Cut the outer leaves first to allow the tender inner leaves to grow.

Is chard a beet?

A bit crunchier than spinach, but more tender than kale, this gorgeous vegetable comes in a surprising array of colors. Technically speaking, chard is a beet, but doesn’t have a bul bous root. It’s referred to as a member of the “goosefoot” family due to the shape of its leaves.

Is Swiss chard a vegetable?

It was identified and named by a Swiss botanist. Full of Vitamins A and C, Swiss chard counts toward the dark leafy vegetable component of your diet. Whether it’s white, red or yellow, it’s full of nutrition. It’s easy to grow, so read on to learn all about Swiss chard care in your garden.

How long does chard keep in the fridge?

Chard will keep in the refrigerator for 2 weeks. Remove the stem and chard will keep in the freezer for up to 6 months. Chard varieties. Dark green, crumpled leaves: Argentata (55 days); Fordhook Giant (60 days); White King (55 days). Red chard: Rainbow (60 days); Ruby Red (55 days); Vulcan (60 days).

How tall does a chard plant grow?

Chard is a member of the beet family grown for its rosette of large, crinkly green leaves on thick red or white stalks. Plants can grow to 16 inches tall and leaves and stalks can be harvested several times over the course of a season on a cut-and-come-again schedule. Chard yield.

How to grow chard in a container?

Container growing chard. Chard will grow in an 8-inch (20cm) pot. Plant 2 or 3 plants in a container. In larger containers, set chard in wide rows on 8-inch (20cm) centers. Pick older, outside leaves first and allow young, tender leaves to grow on. Grow chard in spring and autumn for the best flavor and texture.

What is the best soil for chard?

Chard grows best in well-worked, well-drained soil rich in organic matter, although chard does not favor soil that is too acidic. Chard grows best in a soil pH of 6.0 to 6.8. Chard planting time. Chard grows best in cool temperatures; high temperatures will slow down leaf production.

How long does it take to harvest Swiss chard?

Harvesting Swiss Chard. Chard harvest. Chard will be ready for harvest in 55 to 60 days from sowing. Pick outside leaves as early as three inches long but before leaves grow to10 inches long. Older leaves will have an earthy flavor. Harvest chard on a cut-and-come-again schedule; remove a few outside leaves at a time.

What pests attack chard?

Chard pests. Aphids and leaf miners will attack chard. Control aphids by pinching out the affected leaves or hose them away with a blast of water. Leaf miners feed on the inside of leaf surfaces. Remove leaves with significant leaf miner damage and look underneath leaves for a row of pearl-white eggs; destroy them.

Facts about Swiss chard

The perfect alternative to spinach or kale, Swiss chard is crunchier than spinach but softer than kale. It also comes in a range of colors. While the leaves are always a deep gorgeous green, the stems and veins of the plant can range from bright yellow to deep pink.

How to care for Swiss chard

Now that we know more about this underrated plant, let’s dive into how you can successfully grow tasty Swiss chard in your backyard garden.

Ways to cook and eat Swiss chard

Swiss chard can be cooked and eaten in almost every way that spinach and kale can be. However, unlike spinach, this plant isn’t too enjoyable to eat raw. The stalk makes it bitter. To remove the bitterness, it’s best to cook Swiss chard if you’re going to leave the stem on.

How to grow Swiss chard?

A quick guide to spinach and Swiss chard 1 You can direct seed both spinach and Swiss chard. You can also transplant Swiss chard. 2 Spinach is day length sensitive, while chard is not. 3 Spinach and Swiss chard can grow new leaves after the first harvest, especially if you harvest individual leaves at the "baby" stage, so multiple harvests are possible. 4 You can cook spinach and Swiss chard, as well as eat them raw.

How does spinach respond to day length?

Spinach plants respond to increasing day length by “bolting:” sending up a flowering stalk and setting seed. In hot weather, plants respond more quickly to the day length signal. Drought can also accelerate bolting.

How to harden Swiss chard seedlings?

In this case, use a heating mat for faster germination. Harden seedlings by reducing water and temperature for two to three days before transplanting.

What is the sign on Swiss chard leaves?

Leafminers make tunnels through the flesh of the leaves, leaving transparent markings. Plus sign (+) if content is closed, 'X' if content is open. Cercospora leaf spot is sometimes present on Swiss chard in Minnesota. This type of leaf spot may stunt plant growth and creates reddish-purple spots on the leaves.

What is the color of chard?

The upright ruffled leaves with thick leaf stalks are attractive in the garden, with colors ranging from green and white to pink, red, orange and yellow. While spinach is always available in grocery stores and on restaurant menus, chard is a less common vegetable.

Why does spinach stop flowering?

Drought can also accelerate bolting. During May, the days are much longer than the nights. If the weather turns hot, or the planting gets dry, a spinach planting will stop leaf production and grow a flowering stem.

What is the pH of spinach?

Soil testing and fertilizer. Have your soil tested . Spinach will do best in soil with pH between 6.5 and 8. For Swiss chard, soil pH can be somewhat more acidic than soil for spinach, as low as pH 6.

How to clean chard after harvest?

2. Rinse thoroughly. Right after you harvest the chard, bring it inside to rinse it in cold water. The water helps cool the leaves, and remove any dirt, insects, or other debris from the surface. Take a moment to examine the chard after rinsing to ensure that the leaves are completely clean.

How to harvest chard at once?

To harvest your chard plant all at once, cut the stems 3” above the ground level of the plant. This will enable the leaves to regrow.

How long can you freeze chard?

You can also freeze chard if you’re not going to use it right away. Place it in boiling water for two minutes and then immediately into ice water to blanch it. Dry thoroughly, and place in airtight containers or plastic freezer bags for freezing. It can last up to a year in the freezer.

How tall should chard be?

The plants should be approximately 6- to 8-inches tall, though colored varieties may be taller. Use a sharp knife to cut off the outer leaves that are at least 1 ½-inches off the ground.

How long does chard last in the refrigerator?

The best place to store your chard is in the refrigerator, where it can last for two weeks. Make sure that the leaves are completely dry, and place them inside a ventilated plastic bag. If possible, store them inside the crisper drawer. You can also freeze chard if you’re not going to use it right away.

What is the most productive chard?

White-stemmed chard is usually the most productive, but colored chard are the most attractive ornamental option. Perpetual varieties have a spinach-like taste. White-stemmed varieties, such as ‘Fordhook Giant’ and ‘Silverado,’ are usually more tolerant of both heat and cold than other types of chard.

What is the best pH for chard?

Chard grows best in soil with a pH between 6.0 and 6.8, so it’s slightly acidic. You can purchase a soil pH testing kit at your local garden supply store to check your garden. Space the chard at the correct intervals. For a successful harvest, you must space the chard properly.

Time & Duration

The best time to grow chard from seed is in early spring since chard likes cool weather and should be grown so that it is ready to harvest before hot summer months arrive.

Location & Climate

While chard grows well in cool climatic zones, you should still not grow it in full shade since your plants will need a certain minimum level of sunlight to grow fast and strong.

Soil Requirements

You can reuse the soil for growing chard for many years. However, make sure to loosen it after every growing season so that the roots of your plants can grow well.

Plant Care

The bigger chard plants grow, the higher their water demand. Hence, in the beginning, you will barely have to water your plants.

Pests & Diseases

The better the growing conditions you provide to chard plants, the more likely it gets that you will be able to grow chard without the need of using any pesticides.

Growing Difficulty

Growing chard is great for children since it is not too difficult and you will also see results rather quickly.

Harvest

While the stems of ripe chard will be red, the leaves will usually have a healthy green color.