Swiss Chard Planting Guide
Colorful, nutritious green that bridges the gap between cool and warm seasons
Best Time and Place to Plant Swiss Chard
In USDA zone 7, the typical spring window is March 1 to May 1. Cooler zones usually plant later; warmer zones plant earlier.
Plant Swiss Chard in a spot with 4+ hours of direct sun, soil warmed to 50F to 85F, and enough room for 6 inches between plants and 18 inches between rows.
Planting Windows by Zone
| Zone | Spring | Fall |
|---|---|---|
| Zone 1 | May 1 to June 15 | August 1 to August 30 |
| Zone 2 | April 20 to June 10 | August 10 to September 15 |
| Zone 3 | April 10 to May 30 | August 15 to September 30 |
| Zone 4 | April 1 to May 20 | August 20 to October 1 |
| Zone 5 | March 20 to May 15 | August 25 to October 10 |
| Zone 6 | March 10 to May 10 | September 1 to October 20 |
| Zone 7 | March 1 to May 1 | September 10 to November 1 |
| Zone 8 | February 15 to April 20 | September 20 to November 15 |
| Zone 9 | February 1 to April 10 | October 1 to December 1 |
| Zone 10 | January 15 to March 30 | October 15 to December 15 |
| Zone 11 | Year-round to Year-round | Varies |
| Zone 12 | Year-round to Year-round | Varies |
| Zone 13 | Year-round to Year-round | Varies |
Spacing and Care
- Planting depth: 0.5 inches deep
- Spacing: 6 inches apart, 18 inches between rows
- Soil temperature: 50F to 85F
- Sunlight: 4+ hours
- Watering: 1-1.5 inches per week; mulch to keep roots cool in summer
- Days to harvest: 50
Fertilization
- High-nitrogen 21-0-0 synthetic: Side-dress every 4 weeks
- Blood Meal organic: 1 lb per 100 sq ft before planting
- Compost organic: 2 inches worked in before planting
Companion Plants
- Onions
- Kale
- Lettuce
- Beets
Avoid Planting Near
- Corn
Harvest Signs
- Outer leaves are 8-12 inches long
- Cut outer leaves at base, leaving center intact
- Harvest continually throughout season
- Young leaves are more tender; older leaves have stronger flavor
FAQs
When should I plant Swiss Chard?
Swiss Chard planting depends on your USDA hardiness zone. In USDA zone 7, the typical spring window is March 1 to May 1. Cooler zones usually plant later; warmer zones plant earlier.
What is the best time of year to plant Swiss Chard?
The best time of year to plant Swiss Chard is when your zone planting window is open and soil temperatures are around 50F to 85F. In USDA zone 7, the typical spring window is March 1 to May 1. Cooler zones usually plant later; warmer zones plant earlier.
Where is the best place to plant Swiss Chard?
Plant Swiss Chard in a spot with 4+ hours of direct sun, soil warmed to 50F to 85F, and enough room for 6 inches between plants and 18 inches between rows.
How far apart should I plant Swiss Chard?
Plant Swiss Chard about 6 inches apart, with rows around 18 inches apart.
What grows well with Swiss Chard?
Swiss Chard is commonly paired with Onions, Kale, Lettuce, Beets.