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When to Sow Swiss Chard Seeds If you want to get a head start, however, you can start them indoors three to four weeks before the last frost date in your area. Swiss chard is also a popular fall crop. If growing Swiss chard seeds in the fall, start them about ten weeks before the average first autumn frost date.
When should I start swiss chard seeds?
Start planting about 2 to 3 weeks before last expected frost. Sow seeds ½ to 1 inch deep, 2 to 6 inches apart, in rows 18 to 24 apart. Like beets, chard “seeds” produce more than one plant, and so will require thinning. Thin to 6- to 12-inch spacings.
Can you start swiss chard seeds indoors?
We recommend sowing directly in the garden as Swiss chard grows quickly, but you can start indoors 6-8 weeks early if you wish.
Do you soak Swiss chard seeds before planting?
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 seeds in water for 24 hours prior to planting.
How do you grow Swiss chard indoors?
How to Grow Swiss Chard Indoors Fill a large container, at least 8 inches wide, most of the way full with potting soil. Soak Swiss chard seeds in a glass of warm water for up to 24 hours; this helps boost the germination process. Sow several seeds in the soil, half an inch deep and several inches apart.
When can I transplant chard seedlings?
You can transplant Swiss chard. For summer crops, plant seed indoors in early April or about four weeks before transplanting. For fall crops, sow seed indoors in June. Room temperature should be good for germination unless the house is particularly cool because of air conditioning.
How long does it take for Swiss chard seeds to germinate?
Seed germinates in 5 to 7 days at or near 60°F to 65°F (16-18°C)—but sometimes seed can take up to 3 weeks to germinate if the soil is cold. Germination will not occur in soil chillier than 50°F (10°C). Keep the soil evenly moist until seeds germinate. Sow seed ⅓ to ½ inch (13mm) deep.
Does Swiss chard like coffee grounds?
It’s very important that you plant chard in a fertile part of the garden with soil rich in plant nutrients, especially in nitrogen. In short, I keep adding organic matter (such as grass clippings, remains of non-diseased plants, leaves, coffee grounds, etc.) to it.
Does chard come back every year?
Chard is a biennial plant, meaning it has a two year life cycle, but it is cultivated as an annual in the vegetable garden and harvested in its first season of growth. Once it begins to flower and set seed in its second year, its leaves turn bitter and unpalatable. Both the leaves and stalks of chard are edible.
Can I grow Swiss chard in pots?
Swiss chard can be grown successfully in containers and even in among your flower borders, where it will complement the hot colours of late summer flowers.
What is a good companion plant for Swiss chard?
Top Chard Companions Alliums. Alliums have at least two benefits as companion plants. Annual Flowers. There are many types of annual flowers that would be excellent neighbors for Swiss chard. Brassicas. Cabbage is widely cited in companion planting literature as a suitable buddy for chard. Celery. Herbs. Legumes. Lettuce.
How many chard seeds are in a hole?
To plant it in your garden, push seeds 1/2″ deep and about 10″ apart. If you plant more than one seed per hole, thin them to one every 10″ when they are about 1″ tall.
Can you use egg cartons to start seeds?
You can use egg cartons as a seed-starting tray! Depending on the type of carton you have, you can even cut apart the individual sections and plant them, as the carton will biodegrade. Be sure to poke small holes for drainage, and put the cartons on a tray or in a shallow pan to catch any residual water.
Do Swiss chard seeds need light to germinate?
Swiss chard prefers loose, deep, and fertile soil that is rich in organic matter. Plenty of consistent moisture is required, especially as plants grow larger. It grows best in full sun, but will tolerate light shade in summer.
Does Swiss chard have deep roots?
Swiss chard doesn’t have deep roots, so the container that you select doesn’t need to be too deep. Eight inches should be plenty.
Can you grow Swiss chard in a greenhouse?
Place your trays in your greenhouse, polytunnel, cold frame or windowsill to germinate. They should be ready to plant out in about 4 weeks.
Which has more iron spinach or Swiss chard?
Both greens are good sources of iron, with spinach providing a bit more with 36 percent of the DV compared to chard’s 22 percent.
When can Swiss chard be planted?
Plant Swiss chard in the spring, 2 to 4 weeks before the last frost date. These colorful, nutritious plants grow well in raised garden beds, containers, and in-ground gardens. Space Swiss chard 12 to 18 inches apart in nutrient-rich, well-drained soil with a pH of 6.0 to 6.8.
Will Swiss chard grow in summer?
Chard is a close relative of beets. It is often grown as a summer substitute for spinach because of its tolerance for warm temperatures. It also withstands cool temperatures and can be grown from early spring right up to frost.
