FULL SUN – SWISS CHARD, Rhubarb Ruby Red – Beta vulgaris var. cicla, native to the coastal regions of southern Europe, Swiss Chard is probably older than our common beets having been developed from a wild beet more than 2000 years ago. Aristotle described a red stalked chard in 350 BC and white, yellow and green stalked chards have been known since ancient times. Introduced in 1857, Rhubarb Ruby Red has striking red stalks and deep green leaves with red veining. Flavor is milder than other chards. Swiss Chard can be sown in the early spring for a summer crop and mid-late summer for a fall crop. In the spring, plant as soon as the ground can be worked. Soil should be deeply spaded before planting. Chards are best grown in sandy loam soil. Rows should be 18-24 in. apart. When seedlings are 1 in. high, thin, leaving 8-12 in. between plants. Adding lime to the soil before planting will sweeten chard. Type Spacing Planting Depth Days to Germination Maturity Swiss Chard 8-12 in. 1/2 in. 14-18 55
