Swiss Chard Seeds,
Vulcan

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.'

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.

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.

• 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.