The information on this page applies to seedlings sold by LEAF Nursery during our 2021 Seedling Sale.
Beta vulgaris var. vulgaris. Rich crimson red stems and bright green savoyed leaves. This improved strain of this standard red has been selected for highly savoyed leaves, color contrast and minimal chocolate leaves late in the season. Good early coloring of stems, perfect for microgreens or baby leaf. Has narrow stems and can be grown as a micro, baby or full sized crop.[1]
Seed Type
| Organic | Heirloom | Non-GMO | Hybrid | Open-pollinated | Untreated |
Additional Information
| Container Friendly | Trellis Needed | Easy to Grow | Pollinator Friendly |
When to Plant Your Seedling
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
Growing Conditions
| Light | Temperature | Soil | Water |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full Sun | 55-90 F | loose well drained soils with acidity between 6.2 and 6.8, but will tolerate 6.0-7.5 and a wide range of soil textures | 1-1.5" per week |
Planting Tips
| Plant Spacing | Row Spacing | Days to Maturity |
|---|---|---|
| 4"-8" | 18"-24" | 35 days from transplant |
- Additional instructions: Biennial. Chard is actually a type of beet that has been specialized for leaf production. Use floating row covers to extend the season
- Fertilize with the ratio of 1-2-2 (N-P-K) seven days before seeding. 1-3 side dressings may be necessary.
- Harvesting instructions: Harvest full size leaves at any stage. Continuous harvests will encourage new growth. Outer leaves can be harvested continuously as soon as the plant is well established. Harvest by cutting or breaking away a few of the outer fully expanded leaves. New leaves develop in the center of the plants. Harvest can continue for months until the plant bolts (sends up a flower stalk).[3] Cool with water immediately after harvest; stores best in plastic bags in the refrigerator. Ready to harvest after five weeks, when leaves are ~3”, growth rate is weather dependent.[1]
Common Diseases and Pests
- Spinach Leaf Miners, Aphids, Leaf Hoppers and Flea Beetle and Cabbage Maggot
- Leaf Spot, Pocket Rot, Damping off
Useful Resources
- https://www.highmowingseeds.com/organic-non-gmo-ruby-rhubarb-red-chard.html (Seed Source)
- https://www.botanicalinterests.com/product/Ruby-Red-Rhubarb-Swiss-Chard-Seeds (Seed Source)
- http://mgsantaclara.ucanr.edu/garden-help/vegetables/chard/
If you bought this seedling and have any questions or feedback, let us know in the comment section below.