How to plant chard


Beta vulgaris subsp. vulgaris – Cicla e Flavescens Groups
Chard is a plant of the same species as beet, but whose cultivars have been selected to harvest its leaves and thus do not produce an enlarged root. Its leaves can be of various colors, with petioles (leaf stalks) white, green, yellow, orange or red. Petioles may or may not be enlarged (Group of cultivars Flavescens and group of cultivars Cicla respectively). The leaves can be eaten raw, braised or cooked.
Climate
The ideal climate for growing chard is mild, with temperatures between 15 ° C and 19 ° C, but it can be grown both in a slightly colder climate, being resistant to light frosts, and in a warmer climate.
Brightness
Chard needs good light to grow well, with at least a few hours of direct sunlight daily. In warm regions it can be grown with partial shade in the hottest hours of the day.

Ground
The soil for planting chard must be well drained, fertile, rich in organic matter and rich in nitrogen. The ideal pH range is 6 to 6.8, but the chard is very tolerant of soil pH, with the exception of soils that are very acidic.
Irrigation
Irrigate in order to keep the soil always moist, without being soaked.

Planting
Sow the chard seeds in the final place or sow in sowing and transplant when the seedlings reach approximately 5 cm in height.
The seeds can be left in a container with water for 24 hours to facilitate germination.

Cultivation
Remove invasive plants that are competing for resources and nutrients.

Harvest
The chard leaves can be harvested between 60 and 85 days after planting. Usually, only the outer leaves that are well developed are harvested, although young leaves can also be harvested for use in salads. Depending on the growing conditions, the harvest may continue for a few months.
Chard is a biannual plant.
