Swiss Chard Seeds,
Five Color Silverbeet

Swiss chard can be sown in place, early spring to mid-summer, into rich, moist soil, ensuring the soil temperature is at least 50 F. Yields until very cold weather, about 15 F. 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.'

Sow seeds directly in the garden about 1/2 inch deep and 2-4 inches apart. After germination, which takes 14-21 days, thin the seedlings to 8 inches apart to give each plant enough space to grow. Rows should be spaced about 12-18 inches apart.

Chard requires consistent moisture, so water deeply and regularly, particularly in hot weather. Mulching around the plants helps retain moisture, suppress weeds, and maintain a stable soil temperature. Fertilize every 4-6 weeks with a balanced organic fertilizer to support continuous growth. Swiss chard is relatively pest-resistant, but it's important to watch out for common pests like aphids and leaf miners. 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.

• 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.