SWISS CHARD Rainbow Mix Lg 6 pk
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The Standard multicolored Swiss chard.
Leaves are different shades of green and stems are a palette of gold, crimson, pink, pink-and-white striped, purple, orange, scarlet, white, and green. Young leaves are suitable for salads. Cook mature leaves briefly as prolonged cooking fades the colors. Will grow to 20”tall. Heirloom.
30 days baby, 60 full size
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Spinach & Swiss Chard Growing Tips
Spinach and swiss chard, both members of the amaranth family, are great to grow for harvesting fresh greens. Both can be eaten raw or cooked. Spinach grows best in the cooler temperatures of spring and fall. Chard will grow all season long and is also quite cold tolerant.
Planting
- Spinach and swiss chard grow best in well-drained soil with a pH between 6.5 and 8.0. Prior to planting, prepare the soil by incorporating a good quality compost and a balanced fertilizer.
- Spacing:
- Plant spinach 2 to 4” apart in rows that are 12” apart.
- Swiss chard should be spaced 4 to 6” apart in rows that are 18” apart.
Watering
Spinach and swiss chard require regular water to produce good yields of quality leaves. Drip irrigation is an effective and efficient way to irrigate vegetable crops because the water is delivered directly to the soil where it will be taken up by the roots. Drip irrigation also keeps water off of the foliage which will reduce the risk of disease development.
Maintenance
Keep the planting well weeded. Using mulch, such as cocoa mulch, straw, untreated dry grass clippings or shredded leaves will suppress weed growth and help retain soil moisture.
Harvesting
- Leaves can be harvested as soon as they reach a harvestable size. Clip leaves as needed. Both spinach and swiss chard will continue to grow new leaves so you will be able to get multiple harvests. Spinach will eventually bolt (begin to flower) as the weather gets warmer, but swiss chard will continue to grow throughout the season.
- The brightly colored petioles (leaf stalks) of swiss chard are also edible and can be diced up and added to dishes along with the leaves.
