Perpetual Spinach Swiss Chard arranged with two plates of sauteed spinach on white background.
Freshly harvested Perpetual Spinach Swiss Chard leaves with a salad and young leaves on a cutting board.
A couple of bundles of Perpetual Spinach Swiss Chard on bright white background.
A cold pasta salad and a regular salad made with Perpetual Spinach Swiss Chard.
Perpetual Spinach Swiss Chard growing in a greenhouse at the Baker Creek farm in Mansfield, Missouri.
Perpetual Spinach Swiss Chard arranged with two plates of sauteed spinach on white background.
Freshly harvested Perpetual Spinach Swiss Chard leaves with a salad and young leaves on a cutting board.
A couple of bundles of Perpetual Spinach Swiss Chard on bright white background.
A cold pasta salad and a regular salad made with Perpetual Spinach Swiss Chard.
Perpetual Spinach Swiss Chard growing in a greenhouse at the Baker Creek farm in Mansfield, Missouri.

Swiss Chard Seeds,
Perpetual Spinach

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Description

(Beta vulgaris var. cicla). Belongs to the same species as chard and beets, but it has distinctive differences. The taste is more like a true spinach than ordinary chard, and the leaves look like spinach too—flatter and more pointed than chard, with slimmer stems. Very longstanding in the garden, yielding from late spring through autumn if planted early. Seldom bolts during its first year.

Growing Tips: Perpetual Spinach chard is heat-tolerant and slow to bolt, making it a great choice for continual harvesting throughout the growing season. This variety grows best in well-drained, fertile soil with a pH between 6.0 and 7.0. It can grow in full sun or partial shade, which makes it a good fit for different garden locations. Regular watering is important to keep the soil consistently moist, particularly during dry periods.

Plant Details

Botanical Name
Beta vulgaris var. cicla
Life Cycle
Biennial
Sun Requirement
4–8 hr.
Days to Germinate
14–21
Days to Maturity
50
Planting Depth
½ in.
Plant Spacing
8 in.
Ideal Temperature
50–75°F
Frost Hardy
Yes

When to Grow

Perpetual Spinach chard can be sown in early spring, about 2-3 weeks before the last frost date, and continue through the summer for fall harvests. It germinates best in soil temperatures ranging from 50 F to 75 F. This chard variety can be grown year-round in areas with mild winters​. If you’re not sure how to find your area's first and last frost dates, consult our blog post 'Our Experts Answer Questions, Share Resources.'

How to Sow and Plant

Sow seeds directly into the garden 1/2 inch deep and space them 8 inches apart. Rows should be spaced about 12-18 inches apart. If starting indoors, sow seeds 4-6 weeks before the last frost date. Seedlings should be hardened off by gradually exposing them to outdoor conditions before transplanting. When transplanting, space the plants 8 inches apart to give them room to grow.

How to Grow

Keep the soil consistently moist for optimal growth. Use mulch around the plants to help retain moisture, suppress weeds, and keep the soil temperature stable. Fertilizing every 4-6 weeks with compost or a balanced organic fertilizer will encourage healthy growth. Perpetual Spinach is relatively resistant to pests, but watch out for aphids, slugs, and flea beetles. Removing damaged leaves and using row covers can help manage pest problems​. Surround chard plants with eggshells to deter slugs. Promptly remove any leaves that have brown patches surrounded by purple haloes, as this indicates fungal infection.

How to Save Seeds

  • Like other biennial plants, chard produces flowers and seeds in the spring of its second year, after it has been through winter.
  • Chard is only winter hardy to about 15 degrees F, so in most areas, you must dig the plants in fall and replant them in spring if you want to save seed.
  • Through winter, keep the trimmed plants packed in damp sand in the basement or another cool place.
  • Set them out four to six weeks before your last frost date.
  • Chard is wind-pollinated, so at least six closely spaced plants are needed for a good seed set.
  • Look for greenish flowers followed by seed capsules clustered close to the stem. When the stems dry to brown, crush them inside a paper bag, and gather the largest seeds that fall to the bottom.
  • Store them in a cool, dry place. Chard seeds will keep for at least three years, and often longer.

FAQ

Can Perpetual Spinach chard be grown in containers?

Yes, it can. Use a pot that is at least 10 inches deep, with good drainage. Make sure that the plants receive adequate sunlight and regular watering.

How often can you harvest Perpetual Spinach chard?

You can begin harvesting outer leaves when they reach a usable size, usually around 4-6 inches long. Harvesting regularly encourages continuous leaf production throughout the growing season.

Is Perpetual Spinach chard frost-tolerant?

Yes, it can tolerate light frosts, making it suitable for both early spring and late fall planting. In mild climates, it can even survive winter.

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