Chard (Swiss chard)
Learn how to grow chard, also known as "chard" or pear (Latin: Beta vulgaris), a prominent member of the beet family. It thrives in both cool and hot weather. It is a nutritional superfood, rich in vitamins A, C and K, as well as minerals, nutrients and fiber. The vegetable is most often cooked as a side dish (chard) or in soups in our latitudes. The vegetable is easy to grow but allow for space in the garden to do so!
In the spring, plant chard seeds 2 to 3 weeks before the last frost date of spring. Generally grown as a cool season crop because it grows quickly and easily during the cooler temperatures of spring and fall, chard also tolerates warmer temperatures. For a fall harvest, plant chard seeds about 40 days before the first fall frost date. (Many varieties will tolerate a light frost). ) To speed germination, soak the seeds in water for 24 hours. Chard tolerates partial sun, but grows best in full sun. It also prefers a slightly acidic to neutral soil pH. Before planting, mix old manure or compost into the soil.
You can usually harvest from July until the first frost of winter. Water regularly and consistently to help it grow better. Mulch to help conserve moisture, and when the plants reach a height of about 30 cm, cut off the leaves to encourage the growth of new tender plants. If the chard plants get too tall, they lose their flavor.
Chard (Swiss chard)
- Type : Vegetables
- Subtype : Leafy vegetables
- Botanical family : Chenopodiaceae
Characteristics
- Exposure : Partial shade
- Hardiness : Frost resistant
- Very easy to grow, requires little maintenance (difficulty : 1/3)
Sowing & planting
- Sowing depth : 1 cm
- Plant spacing : 50 cm
- Row spacing : 50 cm
- Emergence time : 10 days
- Emergence temperature : 8 °C
- From sowing to harvesting : 90 days
- Seed storage : 5 years