Swiss chard has experienced a surge in popularity in recent years, owing to its vibrant stems and very beautiful leaves. Although chard has taken over the internet, it has not yet surpassed other leafy greens in many people’s refrigerators or gardens.
It is extremely simple to cultivate, tolerates poor soil, and is frost resistant. Swiss chard is not only gorgeous, but it may also be eaten raw or cooked. The leaves are a colorful substitute for spinach, and the stalks may be chopped up and served like asparagus.
How to grow Swiss chard from seed in containers
Plants of Swiss chard flourish in containers. Chard, unlike other vegetables like squash or tomatoes, has a shallow root system, can thrive in poor soil, and is cold resistant.
It also grows fast, so once you sow seeds, you may be eating fresh chard in as little as 4-6 weeks (and even sooner if you decide to use transplants).
Here’s a fast step-by-step guide on growing Swiss chard.
How to Grow Chard in Containers
1# Choose your varietal and life stage
Swiss chard comes in various types, all of which are healthful and tasty. You’ll want to choose the best one for your lifestyle and personal preferences. Another option to make is whether you want to start with plant seeds or transplants (there are pros and cons to each).
2# Choose the best growth container
Growing chard in pots is a basic and uncomplicated process. However, you must exercise caution while selecting the correct vessel for your garden, as well as determine what companion plants to grow beside it.
Read also: Does chard need full sun?
3# Grow with caution
Although chard is quite hardy, you should still feed your plants with ideal growth conditions to ensure a plentiful crop. Choosing the correct soil, positioning the garden in partial or full light, and maintaining a temperate temperature are all important factors in chard growth.
4# Harvest and savor
The elder leaves of your chard are ready to harvest when they reach approximately nine inches tall, however the younger, fragile leaves can be used in salads.
Is it possible to grow Swiss chard in containers?
Because Swiss chard does not have deep roots, the container you choose should not be too deep. Eight inches should enough. You don’t want the container to topple over or crowd the shallow roots, so make it at least 12 inches wide. A five-gallon container is perfect for each plant.
Can I grow chard from seed?
In modular trays, sow one seed per cell. Chard seeds are essentially little clusters of seed that form 3 to 5 miniature plants. When the seedlings germinate, thin out the weaker ones and leave only one. 3 weeks later, plant out.
Read also: How Long Does Swiss Chard Take To Grow From Seed
Does Swiss chard prefer direct sunlight?
Chard tolerates moderate light but thrives in full sun. It loves soil that is somewhat rich, well-drained, and has a pH between 6.0 and 7.0. (slightly acidic to neutral).
Do you soak the seeds of Swiss chard before sowing them?
Growing Swiss chard from seed is simple, and germination rates are often high. Plant your Swiss chard seeds 12 inch (1.3 cm) deep in rich, loosened, wet soil.
How deep do the roots of Swiss chard go?
Although Swiss chard is related to beets, its root depth is quite modest for its size, often ranging from 6 to 10 inches. However, if you have a smaller container, you will need to water huge chard plants more regularly.
What size container do I need to grow chard?
Select a container at least eight inches deep and fifteen inches wide. If you can’t find one in those proportions, a five-gallon container will suffice.
Conclusion
Swiss chard may be picked at any time, although the first harvest of huge leaves is usually about a month to six weeks after transplanting.
Treat Swiss chard like other leafy greens and pick only the outside mature leaves utilizing the cut-and-come-again approach,
whether you’re growing for the leaf, the stalk, or both. Allow the inner, little leaves to develop for a few weeks so you may pick them later. This method of picking chard allows for continuous harvests throughout the season.
Further Reading
- Nutrient Release Pattern and Greenhouse-Grown Swiss Chard Response to Biochar Inoculated with Vermicast
- Pot-grown Swiss chard and kale responses to variable rate of manure compost in mycorrhizal fungi inoculated medium
- Growth and yield response of Swiss chard (Beta vulgaris (L.) to media mixture ratios of sand, acacia soil, and goat manure
