Chard 'Pink'

Family: Amaranthaceae Leafy Green

Succulent, tender leaves unfurl in a vivid spectrum, with striking pink to rose-red ribs that glow against deep green foliage.

Chard ‘Pink’ offers a pleasantly mild, earthy sweetness and a crisp, juicy bite that holds beautifully in the garden and on the plate. Grow it for fresh salads, quick sauté-style skillet meals, and vibrant color-forward sauces—its rainbow stems bring instant elegance from harvest to serving.

Light: Full SunMaturity: 50 DaysHabit: Rosette

Planting schedules and alerts are optimized for Columbus (Zone 6b).

Crop Dates

Milestone	Date
Start Indoors	Direct Sow
Last Frost	Apr 25th
Transplant / Sow Outdoors	Apr 18th
Harvest Begins	Jun 7th
Harvest Ends	Oct 16th

Crop Details

Trait	Value
Days to Maturity	50
Sun Requirements	Full Sun
Growth Habit	Rosette
Support Needed	None
Planting Depth	Normal
Germination Temp (°F)	70
Min Soil Temp (°F)	40
Min Night Temp (°F)	35
Harden Off (days)	5

Culinary Notes

Chef's Note

This Swiss chard ‘Pink’ is for the cooks who want greens that actually chew—tender leaves, juicy ribs, and a mild sweetness that won’t taste muddy. Use short heat and bright acid (lemon/vinaigrette) so the stems stay snappy and the whole plate looks as good as it eats.

Best Uses

quick skillet sauté where the ribs stay pleasantly firm
salads that can handle vinaigrette without turning to mush
blanch-and-chill for hot/cold plating (lemon, olive oil, flaky salt)
blending into a silky pink-stem sauce or purée to stain pasta with color

Flavor Profile

mild, earthy sweetness crisp, juicy bite tender leaves with lightly mineral snap color-bright, clean finish

Kitchen Pairings

lemon olive oil parmesan butter black pepper crusty bread

Frequently Asked Questions

What disease or pest most commonly affects Swiss chard (Beta vulgaris var. cicla), and how can I control it?

Powdery mildew is a common problem on chard, showing up as a white, dusty coating on leaves during warm, humid weather. Improve airflow by spacing plants and water at the soil line (not on foliage), then remove heavily affected leaves early. If it keeps spreading, use a labeled fungicide for edible greens and apply according to label timing (especially important before harvest).

How often should I water Swiss chard during its main growing phase?

During active leaf growth, keep the soil consistently evenly moist—aim for about 1 inch (2.5 cm) of water per week total, adjusting for rain and heat. Let the top 1 inch (2–3 cm) of soil dry slightly between waterings, but don’t allow the root zone to fully dry out, which can reduce leaf size and make plants taste tougher. Mulching helps stabilize moisture and supports steady growth until the 50-day mark.

How do I know when Swiss chard ‘Pink’ is ready to harvest?

Harvest when leaves are young and tender: typically around 50 days after sowing, with individual leaf stalks reaching roughly 8–10 inches (20–25 cm) long. Pick outer leaves first with a clean cut near the base to keep the center growing for repeat harvests. Stop harvesting new growth once bolting begins or leaves become noticeably tough.