Family: Chenopodiaceae
Genus and Species: Beta vulgaris
Climate
Chard varieties prefer cool weather but many will do well in a wide range of conditions. Chard will even tolerate partial shade but won't be as prolific. Air temperatures of 60°F - 65°F and bright sunny days are ideal for chard growth and development. Chard will withstand a light frost. In some warmer climates chard will grow fine through a mild winter.
Soil
Chard plants will grow in almost any soil but are sensitive to soil acidity. A low soil pH results in stunted growth. Chard prefers a pH of 6.2 to 6.8 but will tolerate 6.0 to 7.5. Loose, well-drained, sandy loam soils rich in organic matter are ideal for chard. If you have heavy soil, amend it well with compost prior to planting. Break up large clods of soil and rake the area smooth prior to planting your chard seeds.
Spacing
Chard seeds are actually a cluster of seeds and will produce more than one plant. Spacing will determine size of the plants. Space plants at 4"-6" apart within rows spaced at 18"-24" apart.
Direct Seeding
Sow chard seeds 1/2" deep, 6 seeds to the inch within rows spaced at 12"-18" apart. Sow chard seeds 2-3 weeks before the last expected spring frost. When chard seedlings are established, thin them to a spacing of 4"-6".
An alternate spacing of 2"-4" is used if harvesting baby chard leaves on a regular basis, or 8"-10" if you plan to harvest less often.
Avoid seeding during daytime temperatures of 80°F or more.
Seeding For Transplants
Chard is not normally transplanted. If, however, you want to give it a go, sow chard seeds in flats or in a cold frame 5-6 weeks before you expect the soil to be workable. Sow chard seeds 1/4" deep, 3 seeds to the inch.
Germination
These seeds germinate best in soils around 75°F-85°F.
Germination will take 5-16 days.
Transplanting Into the Garden
Transplant chard plants at 5-6 weeks, 4-6" between plants within rows 12"-18" apart.
Watering
Chard plants are not too fussy about their water requirements. It is best to maintain consistent moisture in the chard bed, especially during the early part of their development.
Too much water early in chard development can result in damping-off and other seedling disorders. Water deficiency, however, can aggravate boron deficiency.
Harvesting
Chard can be harvested at any time after the leaves develop. Break or cut off the outer leaves, as needed leaving the rest behind. Be careful not to nick or damage the inner leaves. Harvesting in this manner will yield a continual crop throughout the growing season.
Alternate method is to cut the plants off an inch above the soil line.
Flavor and vitamin levels are at their peak immediately following harvest.
Post-Harvest Handling
Chard will deteriorate very quickly after harvest because it will lose water fast and produce a great deal of heat therefore chard benefits from cooling immediately after harvest. Clean the chard of dirt and cool using hydro cooling. Hydro cooling is the process of spraying or immersing vegetables in chilled water.
Pack loosely and do not expose to direct sunlight once harvested.
Storage
Chard should be stored at 32°F and relative humidity of 98%-100%. In ideal conditions chard may last up to 2 weeks.
Chard is sensitive to ethylene gases so do not store it with fruits and vegetables that produce ethylene gas.
Diseases
For all practical purposes, no diseases bother chard.
Pests
Aphids, Leaf Miner and Slugs.
Comments
Avoid working among chard plants while they are wet as diseases can be spread more readily while the plants are wet.
References
Oregon State University, "Beets & Chard, Commercial Vegetable Production Guide", Last modified 2002-12-26, Oregon State University, http://oregonstate.edu/dept/NWREC/beetch.html, Accessed 2003-01-06.
Bradley, F. M. and Ellis, B. W.(Ed.). (1992), Rodale's All-New Encyclopedia of Organic Gardening: The Indispensable Resource for Every Gardener, Emmaus, Pennsylvania: Rodale Press.