How to Grow Chard: Tips, Facts, and Information

Chard, also known as Swiss chard, is a versatile leafy green that can be grown for both its tender leaves and colorful stems. It’s incredibly nutritious, packed with vitamins A, C, and K, and it grows well in both cool and warm climates, making it a great crop for extended harvests. Whether used in salads, sautés, or as a substitute for spinach, chard is a fantastic addition to any garden. This guide covers the top 20 chard varieties, along with essential growing tips, fascinating facts, and answers to common questions.

Top 20 Chard Varieties to Grow

1. Bright Lights

Tips: Plant Bright Lights chard in full sun or partial shade for vibrant colors. It grows best in well-drained, fertile soil and tolerates both cool and warm weather.
Facts: This variety is known for its stunning multicolored stems, ranging from red and yellow to pink and orange, adding beauty to both the garden and the plate.

2. Fordhook Giant

Tips: Fordhook Giant grows well in cooler temperatures and prefers rich, well-drained soil. Plant in early spring or fall for best results.
Facts: A classic variety, Fordhook Giant produces large, crinkled leaves and thick, white stems. It’s highly cold-tolerant and perfect for both fresh and cooked dishes.

3. Rainbow

Tips: Rainbow chard thrives in full sun or partial shade. It can be planted in spring or fall and harvested multiple times throughout the growing season.
Facts: Known for its colorful stems in shades of red, yellow, orange, and pink, Rainbow chard adds both visual appeal and flavor to salads, stir-fries, and soups.

4. Lucullus

Tips: Lucullus grows well in full sun and rich, well-drained soil. Plant in early spring or fall for continuous harvests.
Facts: This variety produces large, light green leaves and pale white stems. Lucullus is prized for its mild flavor and is a great substitute for spinach.

5. Perpetual Spinach

Tips: Perpetual Spinach chard grows best in cool weather and prefers full sun. It can be planted in early spring or fall for year-round harvesting.
Facts: Despite its name, Perpetual Spinach is actually a variety of chard with smooth, spinach-like leaves. It’s known for its fast growth and continuous production.

6. Red Rhubarb

Tips: Red Rhubarb chard prefers well-drained soil and full sun. It can tolerate light frost, making it a great crop for early spring or fall planting.
Facts: This variety has striking red stems and dark green leaves, making it visually appealing and perfect for adding color to the garden and the kitchen.

7. Ruby Red

Tips: Ruby Red chard thrives in full sun or partial shade. It grows best in rich, well-drained soil and can be harvested continuously throughout the season.
Facts: Known for its deep red stems and veins, Ruby Red has tender leaves and a mild, slightly sweet flavor. It’s excellent for fresh salads or cooked dishes.

8. White Silver 2

Tips: White Silver 2 grows well in full sun and well-drained soil. Plant in early spring or fall for multiple harvests.
Facts: This variety has large, glossy green leaves and thick, white stems. It’s one of the most productive and hardy chard varieties.

9. Peppermint

Tips: Peppermint chard prefers full sun and moist, well-drained soil. It can be planted in spring or fall for year-round production.
Facts: This unique variety has pink and white-striped stems, making it both beautiful and delicious. Peppermint chard has a mild flavor and tender leaves.

10. Neon Glow

Tips: Plant Neon Glow chard in full sun or partial shade. It grows best in fertile, well-drained soil and can tolerate both heat and cold.
Facts: This colorful variety has vibrant pink, orange, and yellow stems, adding a pop of color to your garden and meals. It has a mild, slightly earthy flavor.

11. Oriole Orange

Tips: Oriole Orange chard thrives in full sun and rich, well-drained soil. Sow seeds in early spring or late summer for continuous harvests.
Facts: Known for its striking orange stems and dark green leaves, Oriole Orange is as delicious as it is colorful, with a sweet, mild flavor.

12. Golden

Tips: Golden chard prefers full sun and fertile, well-drained soil. Plant in early spring or fall for best results.
Facts: This variety features bright golden-yellow stems and dark green leaves, perfect for adding color to salads and cooked dishes. It has a slightly sweet, earthy flavor.

13. Verde de Taglio

Tips: Verde de Taglio grows best in cool weather and prefers rich, well-drained soil. Plant in spring or fall for continuous harvests.
Facts: This Italian heirloom variety has smooth, green leaves and slender, white stems. It’s known for its tender texture and mild flavor.

14. Pink Lipstick

Tips: Pink Lipstick chard thrives in full sun and well-drained soil. It can be grown in containers or garden beds.
Facts: With bright pink stems and glossy green leaves, Pink Lipstick is a showstopper in the garden. It has a mild, slightly sweet flavor, perfect for salads or sautés.

15. Barese

Tips: Barese chard prefers cool temperatures and fertile, well-drained soil. Sow seeds in early spring or fall for continuous harvests.
Facts: This dwarf variety is ideal for small spaces and container gardening. It has tender, white stems and dark green leaves with a mild flavor.

16. Yellow Canary

Tips: Yellow Canary chard grows best in full sun and rich soil. It can be planted in spring or fall for multiple harvests.
Facts: Known for its vibrant yellow stems and tender green leaves, Yellow Canary adds a burst of color to your garden and dishes. It has a mild, slightly earthy flavor.

17. Bright Yellow

Tips: Bright Yellow chard thrives in full sun and well-drained soil. Plant in early spring or fall for year-round production.
Facts: This variety features brilliant yellow stems and glossy green leaves. Its sweet, mild flavor makes it perfect for fresh salads and cooking.

18. Swiss Giant

Tips: Swiss Giant grows well in full sun and rich, well-drained soil. It’s best planted in spring or fall for continuous harvests.
Facts: This large-leafed variety produces thick, white stems and dark green leaves. It’s known for its robust flavor and high yield.

19. Flamingo

Tips: Flamingo chard prefers full sun and fertile, moist soil. Plant in early spring or fall for a continuous harvest.
Facts: With vibrant pink stems and dark green leaves, Flamingo chard is both ornamental and delicious, with a mild, sweet flavor.

20. Celebration

Tips: Celebration chard thrives in full sun and well-drained soil. Sow seeds in early spring or late summer for year-round harvests.
Facts: Known for its multicolored stems in shades of red, yellow, and orange, Celebration chard adds beauty and flavor to any dish, with a tender texture and mild taste.

Common Questions About Growing Chard

Q: When should I plant chard?
A: Chard can be planted in early spring for a summer harvest or in late summer for a fall and winter harvest. It grows best in cool to moderate temperatures but can also tolerate heat.

Q: Can I grow chard in containers?
A: Yes, chard grows well in containers as long as the pots are at least 8-10 inches deep. It’s an excellent choice for small spaces, patios, or balconies.

Q: How long does chard take to grow?
A: Chard is a fast-growing crop and can be ready for harvest in about 50-60 days, depending on the variety. Baby leaves can be harvested earlier for fresh salads.

Q: How do I harvest chard?
A: Harvest chard by cutting the outer leaves when they are large enough to eat, leaving the center of the plant to continue growing. This method allows for continuous harvesting throughout the season.

Q: Is chard cold-tolerant?
A: Yes, chard is highly cold-tolerant and can survive light frost. In mild climates, it can even grow through the winter, providing fresh greens year-round.