Plant Name:
|
Swiss Chard, Pink Lipstick
|
Latin Name:
|
Beta vulgaris
|
Days to Germinate: |
7-14
|
Days to Harvest: |
55
|
Germination Rate: |
85% |
Test Date: |
11/23 |
Growth Habit: |
Root
|
USDA Zones: |
2-12
|
Lifespan: |
Biennial |
Country of Origin: |
United States |
Sunlight: |
Full Sun, Partial Shade |
GMO: |
No |
Pollination:
|
Heirloom, Open-Pollinated |
Fungicide-Treated Seeds*: |
No |
Seeds Packed For**: |
2024 |
*Fungicide-treated seeds protect the seedlings from diseases until they are up and growing. Do not eat treated seeds.
**Seeds
are freshly packed for the growing season of the year listed. Seeds are
still viable beyond pack date. Store in a cool and dry location such as
the refrigerator or basement to best preserve germination rates.
Planting Instructions:
Soil Preparation and Fertilizing:
Swiss
chard is a cool-season crop and does well in the cool temperatures of
Spring and Fall. Swiss chard can tolerate a wide range of soils. To
prepare the soil, clear the area of rocks, trash, and large sticks.
Small pieces of grass and leaves can be mixed into the soil to make it
richer. Spade the soil 8-10 inches deep and completely cover plant
material. You may optionally scatter 1 cup of a complete fertilizer on
the soil for each 10 feet of row to be planted. If soil has a lot of
tight clay, you may optionally add compost after adding fertilizer and
rake into top 4 inches of soil. Rake the soil until it is smooth and
work the beds into 4-6-inch-tall raised ridges to allow soil to drain
and let air enter soil.
Planting:
In southern states, swiss chard can be grown all winter. Soil
temperature should be at least 50F for seeds to sprout. Use a hoe handle
or stick to make a 1/2 inch furrow deep down the center of the ridge.
Plant 1-2 seeds in the furrows spaced 12 inches apart within the rows.
Cover lightly with loose soil then sprinkle with water. In hot weather,
you may optionally cover seed with sands or light-colored mulch.
Planting Depth: |
1/2 inch |
Within-Row Spacing:
|
12 inches
|
Between-Row Spacing:
|
2 -3 feet
|
Watering:
Water plants moderately. If the soil moisture is low, water but avoid
waterlogging soil. Try to avoid wetting foliage to prevent diseases.
Weeding: Keep plants free of weeds, which rob weak root systems of nutrients and moisture.
Thinning: Thin swiss chard plants to about 8-12 inches apart in rows if direct seeding.
Insecticides:
Insecticides may be used to protect plants. Bt-based insecticides and
sulfur are organic options that can be used for prevention. Sevin is a
synthetic option. Sulfur also has fungicidal properties and helps in
controlling many diseases. Before using a pesticide, please read the
label and always follow cautions, warnings and directions.
Diseases: Disease
can happen in cloudy, damp weather. Check plants daily and treat with
an approved fungicide if diseases do appear. Neem oil, sulfur, and other
fungicides are available for use. Please always follow label
directions.
Swiss
chard are ready to harvest in 50-60 days after planting and can be
harvested when they are about 4-5 inches long by cutting at the base.
Try to avoid cutting the stems of the inner leaves. Leave the smaller
leaves for a later harvest and keep the growing crown base intact.
Harvest mature leaves to stimulate growth of new leaves.
Nutrition Facts:
Swiss chard
Amount Per 1 cup (36 g)
|
Calories 7
|
% Daily Value*
|
Total Fat 0.1 g
|
0% |
Saturated fat 0 g
|
0% |
Cholesterol 0 mg
|
0% |
Sodium 77 mg
|
3% |
Potassium 136 mg
|
3% |
Total Carbohydrate 1.3 g
|
0% |
Dietary fiber 0.6 g
|
2% |
Sugar 0.4 g
|
|
Protein 0.6 g
|
1% |
Vitamin C |
18% |
Calcium |
1% |
Iron |
3% |
Vitamin D |
0% |
Vitamin B6 |
0% |
Cobalamin |
0% |
Magnesium |
7% |
|
|
*Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.
Your daily values may be higher or lower depending on your calorie
needs. |