Swiss Chard – ‘Rainbow Mixture’

Growing Temp 50°F – 75°F
Days to Maturity 50-60 days

Ease of Cultivation and colorful versatility: Swiss Chard Rainbow Mixture is known for its vibrant, multi-colored stems, ranging from yellow, red, orange, to pink. It’s an easy-to-grow, resilient leafy green that adds both beauty and nutrition to gardens. Rainbow chard can be harvested throughout the growing season, making it a favorite among home gardeners. It can be eaten raw, sautéed, or used in a variety of dishes, offering both visual appeal and flavor.

Direct Sowing: For direct sowing, plant Swiss Chard Rainbow Mixture seeds outdoors as soon as the soil is workable in spring. Sow the seeds ½ inch deep and space them 12-18 inches apart in rows that are around 18 inches apart. Seeds typically germinate within 7-14 days. Water the plants consistently, especially during dry spells. Thin seedlings to maintain adequate spacing for healthy growth. Mulch around the base of the plants to retain moisture and suppress weeds. Regularly harvest outer leaves to encourage continued growth.

Early Sowing for Seedlings: To get an early start, sow seeds indoors 4-6 weeks before the last expected frost. Use trays filled with potting mix, sowing one seed per cell. Maintain a temperature of 60-65°F for good germination. Once seedlings have developed 2-3 true leaves, harden them off before transplanting into the garden. Space the transplants 12-18 inches apart and water well after planting. Mulch to conserve moisture and prevent weeds.

Harvesting: Rainbow Swiss Chard can be harvested once the outer leaves are large enough to eat, generally when they are 10-12 inches tall. You can also harvest the young, tender leaves for baby greens at around 3-4 inches. Continuously harvest the outer leaves throughout the season to encourage ongoing production, while allowing the inner leaves to mature.