Ruby red Swiss chard, with its vibrant crimson stalks and deep green leaves, is a visually stunning and nutritionally rich vegetable that belongs to the beet family. Known for its slightly bitter and earthy flavor, it is a versatile ingredient in a variety of dishes, from salads to sautés. The striking color not only adds a pop of aesthetic appeal to meals but also indicates a bounty of health benefits.
In the kitchen, ruby red Swiss chard can be used in a myriad of ways. Its leaves can be enjoyed raw in salads, adding a delightful crunch and a burst of color. When cooked, the bitterness mellows out, making it a perfect addition to pastas, soups, and stir-fries. The stalks, often overlooked, can be chopped and cooked similarly to celery or asparagus, offering a slightly sweet and earthy flavor. Whether you are a seasoned chef or a home cook, incorporating ruby red Swiss chard into your meals is an excellent way to boost both the nutritional value and visual appeal of your dishes.
Growing ruby red Swiss chard is relatively simple, making it a favorite among home gardeners. It thrives in well-drained soil with plenty of organic matter and can be grown in both full sun and partial shade. This hardy plant is tolerant of cooler temperatures, making it an excellent choice for spring and fall planting. Regular harvesting of the outer leaves encourages new growth and ensures a continuous supply of fresh chard throughout the growing season.
- QTY: 100
- Seed Planting Depth: 1.5"
- Germination Temperature: 75
- Days to Germination: 7-10
- Row Spacing: 36"
- Plant Spacing: 6"
- Sun: Full
- Harvest time: 57 days
How to Save Seeds
Chard will cross pollinate with other chard varieties as well as beet varieties. So with that in mind I would suggest only growing one kind of beet or chard since they require a distance of at least ¾ of a mile. Beets are biennial meaning they must be overwintered in order to produce seed the next year. Some gardeners pull the beets trim the leaves back to 2 inches over the bulb and overwinter them in a root cellar in either damp sawdust or sand. Some gardeners that enjoy warmer winters mulch them and hope they survive the winter temps. Once spring arrives replant them and wait for the seed. Once seed is dry collect and store.