Swiss chard (Beta vulgaris) is a leafy green vegetable of the same species as beets. It has a mild, slightly sweet flavor and is typically eaten cooked. The plant has large, glossy, green leaves with thick, crunchy stems that can range in color from white to yellow, red, and purple. The leaves and stems are both edible and are often used in salads, soups, stir-fries, and casseroles. Swiss chard is a nutrient-dense vegetable, containing high amounts of vitamins A, C, and K, as well as magnesium, potassium, iron, and dietary fiber.
Planning Your Garden With Swiss Chard
As you plan your garden, it's important to think about the spacing, size, light, and nutrient requirements of all of your plant and how they'll grow together.
Some plants require more water than others, while other plants require dry soil. At the same time, some plants prefer full sun, and other plants need the shade to survive.
By studying what each plant requires and planning ahead where all of your plants will grow best, you can optimize your garden space.
| Life Cycle | Swiss chard is an annual. |
| USDA Zone | Swiss chard is hardy in USDA Zones 2-11. |
| Cold Tolerance | Swiss chard is cold tolerant and can tolerate temperatures down to 20. |
| Days to harvest | Swiss chard can be harvested as soon as the leaves are large enough to eat, which is usually around 30-45 days after planting. |
| Average size | The average size of a full grown swiss chard plant is about 18-24 inches tall and 12-18 inches wide. |
| Spacing requirements | Swiss chard should be planted in rows that are 12-18 inches apart, with individual plants spaced 6-8 inches apart. |
| Sun tolerance | Swiss chard can tolerate full sun, but it grows best in partial shade. |
| Shade tolerance | Swiss chard is a moderately shade tolerant plant and can tolerate partial shade. It prefers full sun, but can still produce edible leaves in light shade. |
| Water requirements | Swiss chard is a hardy, drought-tolerant vegetable. It prefers moist soil, but it will tolerate dry soil for short periods of time. Water the plants regularly and deeply, providing about an inch of water per week. Avoid overwatering, as this can lead to root rot and other diseases. |
| Fertilizer | When growing swiss chard, it is recommended to use 1/2 to 1 pound of fertilizer per 100 square feet of garden space. It is best to use a balanced fertilizer with an equal ratio of nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium. |
| Soil pH | Swiss chard prefers a slightly acidic soil with a pH of 6.0 to 6.5. |
Why Swiss Chard is Popular
People like to grow swiss chard because it is an easy-to-grow, nutritious vegetable that can be harvested multiple times throughout the growing season. Swiss chard is also very versatile and can be used in a variety of dishes. Plus, it has a mild, slightly sweet flavor that many people enjoy.
Companion Plants For Swiss Chard
Companion planting is a great way to maximize your garden space and get the most out of your plants. By planting certain plants together, you can help each other thrive. In some cases, you can even help each other repel pests.
Popular companion plants for swiss chard include:
Common Pests For Swiss Chard
Plant pests are a common problem for gardeners. By understanding what pests are common for your plants, you can take steps to prevent them from damaging your plants.
When you grow swiss chard, keep an eye out for these common pests:
- flea beetles
- leaf miners
- slugs
- aphids
- caterpillars
- beetles
USDA Zones
USDA zones are a popular way of determining which plants can grow in your area. Zones tell you when your average first and last frost date are, as well as how cold you can expect it to get in the winter.
Our site works best if you choose your zone from the list below. If you do not know your USDA zone, then you can use our zone map.
