Swiss Chard Beta vulgaris (Leaf Beet Group)

The Leaf Beet Group of Beta vulgaris consists of cultivars such as Swiss Chard and Beet Spinach that are grown for their edible leafy greens.  Unlike the common beet, these plants do not grow a swollen root.  The leaves can be eaten raw or cooked, the thick stalks best eaten after cooking.

These cultivars do best in full sun to part shade as well as moist, rich, well-drained soil.  They grow fastest in the cool temperatures of spring and fall, although they continue to produce leaves through summer. They are tough plants that can tolerate heat, humidity, and drought, although they stop growing without adequate moisture.  As it is a biennial, they do not produce flowers until their second year and therefore have no risk of bolting from heat.

Plants can be either direct-seeded or transplanted from indoors; if transplanting, start seeds about four weeks before transplanting.  Thin plants to 4-5 in apart.  These plants can be grown in containers, doing best in a minimum size of 2 quarts and depth of 8 in.  Although maturity rates change between cultivars, baby leaves can be harvested in roughly 30 days and mature leaves in 60.  It is encouraged to harvest the largest leaves first so fresh, new leaves can grow.

VIDEO Created by Homegrown featuring Bill Lord, former Area Specialized Agent for NC State Extension