Bright Lights Swiss Chard Plant

Where to Plant

• Sunlight: This colorful leafy green performs best in full sun, requiring at least 6 hours of direct light daily. While it can handle partial shade, the stems will be less vibrant and the leaves won't grow as thick or fast as they do in the sun.
• Soil: Plant in rich, crumbly soil that is well supplied with organic matter like compost. If you are dealing with heavy clay, mix in some coarse sand or peat moss to improve drainage, as "wet feet" can lead to root rot.

Watering Requirements

During the first few weeks, keep the soil consistently moist to help the shallow roots settle into their new home. Once established, Swiss Chard is surprisingly resilient, though dry soil will cause the leaves to become tough and bitter. Aim for about an inch of water per week, as inconsistent moisture often leads to stunted growth and smaller harvests.

Pruning Tips

Think of pruning Swiss Chard as a way to keep your harvest ongoing throughout the season. Harvest the outer leaves first by cutting them about an inch above the ground, which signals the plant to produce new growth from the center. Regular harvesting prevents the plant from getting "leggy" and keeps the foliage tender for the kitchen.

Fertilizer Needs

Use a balanced, all purpose organic fertilizer every 4 to 6 weeks to support continuous leaf production. Avoid over-applying high nitrogen fertilizers late in the summer, as this can encourage rapid, succulent growth that is more attractive to pests like aphids. A side dressing of compost mid-season is usually enough to keep the colors looking bright and the leaves reaching their full size.