Chard 'Rhubarb'

Family: Amaranthaceae Leafy Green

Tender, rhubarb-bright stems rise with a succulent snap and a gently sweet, mineral edge that tastes like springtime in the garden.

Chard ‘Rhubarb’ forms an upright clump of glossy, deeply veined leaves over vivid, blushing stalks—ideal for roasting, sautéing, and silky sauces, and equally delightful for fresh use when you want color and crunch. With about 55 days to maturity, it’s a quick, rewarding choice for gardeners who love bold, edible beauty all season long.

Light: Full SunMaturity: 55 DaysHabit: Rosette

Botanical illustration of Chard 'Rhubarb'

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 25th
Harvest Begins	Jun 19th
Harvest Ends	Oct 16th

Crop Details

Trait	Value
Days to Maturity	55
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 rhubarb-bright chard is built for contrast: the stalks hold a juicy snap while the leaves turn luxuriously silky. Go for lemony fat and salty cheese or beans—this variety’s mineral edge plays beautifully once it’s warm, not boiled to dull mush.

Best Uses

quick sautés where the stems stay crisp and the leaves go glossy
roasting for caramel edges on stalks and tender leaf collapse
blended, silky sauces or purées to coat pasta or smear on bread
warm salads: wilt the greens lightly, keep a bit of crunch in the stalks

Flavor Profile

rhubarb-bright sweetness succulent snap in the stems gently mineral, earthy greens with a clean finish silky melt when cooked down

Kitchen Pairings

lemon olive oil parmesan white beans shallot butter

Frequently Asked Questions

What pest or disease is most likely on Swiss chard (Beta vulgaris var. cicla) and what should I do?

Watch for leaf miners and aphids, which can leave stippling, curling, and tunnelled paths on chard leaves. Rinse off aphids with a strong jet of water and use insecticidal soap if needed; for leaf miners, remove heavily mined leaves early and keep weeds down to reduce breeding sites. If you see fuzzy grey growth or powdery white patches, improve airflow and avoid wetting the leaves, then remove affected leaves promptly to slow spread.

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

Water to keep the root zone evenly moist—about 1 inch (2.5 cm) per week, split into 2–3 waterings during hot spells. Check the soil 1–2 inches down: if it’s dry at that depth, water thoroughly until moisture reaches the base of the plants. Avoid letting it swing between dry and soggy, since inconsistent moisture can make leaves tough and reduce tenderness.

How do I tell when Swiss chard ‘Rhubarb’ is ready to harvest?

Harvest when outer leaves are about 8–12 inches (20–30 cm) long and stems are firm, typically around 55 days from sowing. Start by taking the largest outer leaves; cut at the base so the center can keep producing. You can keep harvesting in waves as long as growth remains vigorous and plants aren’t yet bolting.