What it is
Swiss Chard (Beta vulgaris cicla) is in the Amaranthaceae (Amaranth) family. The most heat-tolerant of the leafy greens, and gorgeous with rainbow stems. Cut outer leaves all season.
How to grow it
It wants full sun to part shade, water it even, and give it rich soil. Target a soil pH around 6.0–7.0. Space plants about 8–12 in apart. Expect roughly 50–60. Cool & mild seasons; heat-tolerant.
How it's used
Swiss Chard is used: sautéed, soups, raw young.
🔎 How to identify it
- Glossy crinkled leaves
- Bright red/yellow/white stalks
- Grows from a central crown
Edibility
PartsLeaves and stalks
UsesSautéed, soups, raw young
CautionNone.
🌤 Before you plant: check the live 7-day garden weather to time it right for frost and heat.
Part of the free Texas Roots plant database, compiled by Jordan Polasek from his greenhouse in El Campo, Texas. Free to read and share. If it helped, the best thanks is to grow something.