Vulcan Swiss Chard arranged on a white background.
Vulcan Swiss Chard with cut bright red stems arranged around and in a bowl on a light background.
Vulcan Swiss Chard on a vase with stems at the base on bright white background.
Overhead view of whole and chopped Vulcan Swiss Chard on light blue background.
A little girl smiles as she holds up a giant head of Vulcan Swiss Chard in a Baker Creek greenhouse.
Vulcan Swiss Chard arranged on a white background.
Vulcan Swiss Chard with cut bright red stems arranged around and in a bowl on a light background.
Vulcan Swiss Chard on a vase with stems at the base on bright white background.
Overhead view of whole and chopped Vulcan Swiss Chard on light blue background.
A little girl smiles as she holds up a giant head of Vulcan Swiss Chard in a Baker Creek greenhouse.

Swiss Chard Seeds,
Vulcan

4.512 ReviewsSKU: #SC106Min. seed count: 100
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Description

(Beta vulgaris). An improved rhubarb chard developed in Switzerland. A very attractive and uniform red chard, this variety has great flavor and is perfect for marketing.

Growing Tips: Vulcan is a hardy variety of Swiss chard that thrives in well-drained, fertile soil rich in organic matter. Chard prefers full sun but can tolerate partial shade, which helps in hotter climates to prevent bolting. The ideal soil pH is between 6.0 and 7.0. Side-dressing with compost can help increase leaf production.

Plant Details

Botanical Name
Beta vulgaris
Life Cycle
Biennial
Sun Requirement
4–8 hr.
Days to Germinate
14–21
Days to Maturity
60
Planting Depth
½ in.
Plant Spacing
8 in.
Ideal Temperature
50–75°F
Frost Hardy
Yes

When to Grow

Vulcan 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​. 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

Seeds can be sown directly into the garden or started indoors. Sow seeds about 1/2 inch deep, spacing them 8 inches apart in rows that are 18-24 inches apart. If starting indoors, use seed trays with a good seed-starting mix. Once seedlings have a few true leaves and the soil is workable, transplant them outside, ensuring they have adequate space for growth.

How to Grow

Regular watering is essential to keep the soil evenly moist, especially during dry spells, as chard requires consistent moisture for optimal growth. Mulching around the plants can help retain moisture, regulate soil temperature, and suppress weeds. Keep the area around the plants free of weeds to minimize competition for nutrients. 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 Vulcan Swiss chard be grown in containers?

Yes, it is suitable for container gardening. Use a pot that is at least 8-12 inches deep and ensure it has good drainage. Regular watering is crucial to maintain soil moisture.

How often can I harvest Vulcan Swiss chard?

It is ready for harvesting about 60 days after planting. You can start picking the outer leaves when they are 6-8 inches long, using the "cut-and-come-again" method to encourage continuous production of new leaves throughout the growing season.

Is Vulcan Swiss chard frost-tolerant?

Yes, it can tolerate light frosts and is well-suited for growing in cooler climates. It can even survive mild winters, making it a reliable choice for fall and winter gardening.

Browse our full range of Swiss chard seeds.
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