Swiss Chard Seeds, Japanese Mountain Spinach

Sku:
#SC116
Minimum seed count:
100
star-filled
5
2 Reviews
$4.00

Description

(Beta vulgaris) This wonderful Swiss chard variety from the mountains of Japan is one of our favorites due to its resistance to heat and flavorful rich leaves. It has the hardiness of Swiss chard in perfect balance with the tender sweetness of spinach. It is very easy to grow in warm and hot weather.  Its edible stems and leaves can be used as a substitute for spinach, either boiled or raw in salads. 

  • 40-60 days to maturity
  • Partial sun
  • Sprouts in 14 - 21 days
  • Ideal Temperature: 50 - 75 F
  • Seed Depth: 1/2 "
  • Plant Spacing: thin to 8"
  • Frost Hardy: Yes

Growing Tips

Japanese Mountain Spinach chard is a heat-tolerant leafy green that offers an excellent alternative to traditional spinach, especially in warmer climates where spinach may usually struggle. Keep the plants well watered, and side dress with compost for best leaf production.

When to Grow

Swiss chard is a cool-season crop that can be sown in early spring, 2-3 weeks before the last expected frost, and continued until mid-summer. It performs best when soil temperatures are between 50 F and 75 F. In milder winter climates, Vulcan chard can be grown year-round, as it is frost-tolerant and will continue to produce in cooler weather​. 

How to Sow and Plant

Sow Japanese Mountain Spinach chard seeds directly into the garden soil at a depth of about 1/2 inch, spacing them approximately 2 inches apart in rows that are 12 to 18 inches apart. After the seeds have sprouted, thin the seedlings to 8 inches apart to allow adequate space for the plants to mature. This variety can also be successfully grown in containers, which is convenient for gardeners with limited space.

How to Grow

Choose well-drained, moist soil and water regularly, especially during dry periods, to keep the leaves tender and flavorful. While Swiss chard is relatively drought-tolerant, consistent moisture will prevent bolting (premature flowering), which can affect the taste of the leaves. This plant is adaptable to various soil types, including those with higher alkalinity or salinity, and can grow well even without additional fertilization. However, incorporating organic matter into the soil can boost growth and improve leaf quality.

How to Save

  • 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 Japanese Mountain Spinach chard be grown in containers?
Yes, make sure that the container has adequate drainage and is deep enough to accommodate the plant's growth.

Can Japanese Mountain Spinach chard handle frost?
Yes, it is quite frost-tolerant and can survive light freezes. This resilience makes it suitable for early spring planting and late fall harvesting, even in cooler climates​

How can I use Japanese Mountain Spinach chard in cooking?
It can be used fresh in salads, much like spinach, or cooked in soups, stir-fries, and other dishes. The young, tender leaves are best for raw consumption, while the more mature leaves are better suited to cooking due to their slightly tougher texture​.

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Swiss Chard Seeds, Japanese Mountain Spinach
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