Swiss chard

Swiss Chard or leaf beet is very closely related to perpetual spinach and beetroot and is in the same family as spinach. It is a hardy and versatile leafy vegetable that also looks very decorative. It’s similar to spinach but a single sowing will last longer and is less likely to bolt. The original Swiss chard of green leaves and broad white stalks has now being joined by all sorts of colourful types.

Chard is cultivated like perpetual spinach. Sow from March to July at a spacing of 30x20 cm. Two sowings will generally suffice – April and July. The latter sowing will overwinter to crop again in the spring. Harvest the outer leaves by twisting them off working towards the centre. Overwintered plants will go to seed in late spring.

Varieties

Swiss Chard White Silver, Rainbow Chard, Rhubarb Chard, Swiss Chard, Bright Yellow