Fordhook Giant Chard 1/2oz seed bulk package FREE

20,000-40,000 seeds/lb (30,000 avg)

Chard (Beta vulgaris) is a hardy biennial in the Chenopodiacea family, which includes spinach, beets, orach and quinoa.  Chard is actually a type of beet that has been specialized for leaf production.

Soil Nutrients and Requirements

Chard appreciates 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. Heavy clay soils can be helped by the addition of organic matter.  Optimal soil temperature for germination is 55-75°F.Fertilize with the ratio of 1-2-2 (N-P-K) seven days before seeding. 1-3 side dressings may be necessary.

Seeding Depth

½”

Plant Spacing

Direct seeding: For baby leaf sow ~40 seeds/ft in 2-4” bands; for full size leaves thin plants to 4-8″ depending on desired leaf size.

Row Spacing

Row spacing: for full size 18-24″, for baby leaf 2-4” between bands.

When to Sow

Chard can be direct seeded mid-spring through mid-summer and into fall in warmer regions. Transplants can be started indoors or in a cold frame 4-6 weeks before planting and transplanted outdoors after danger of frost has passed. Transplants result in earlier harvests. Optimal germination temperature is 55-75°F. Days to maturity from direct seeding; if transplanting, subtract 14-21 days. Baby Leaf varieties grow well in summer months when it is too hot for lettuce. Sow every week for a continual summer harvest until 4 weeks before frost date. Ready to harvest after five weeks, when leaves are ~3”, growth rate is weather dependent.

Harvest

Harvest full size leaves at any stage. Continuous harvests will encourage new growth. Use floating row covers to extend the season.

Storage

Cool with water immediately after harvest; stores best in plastic bags in the refrigerator.