Lance

Family: Amaranthaceae Leafy Green

Lance Swiss chard arrives with a vivid, upright presence—tender leaves unfurling over crisp, lance-shaped ribs in a richly colored palette that stays beautifully crisp through the season.

The flavor is pleasantly sweet and clean, with a gentle mineral edge, and the texture is satisfyingly succulent from first harvest to repeat cuttings. Grow Lance for fresh salads and vibrant sautés, and for silky, color-splashed sauces that showcase its bold stems and leafy body.

Light: Full SunMaturity: 45 DaysHabit: Rosette

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

Crop Dates

Milestone	Date
Start Indoors	Apr 4th
Last Frost	Apr 25th
Transplant / Sow Outdoors	Apr 25th
Harvest Begins	Jun 9th
Harvest Ends	Oct 16th

Crop Details

Trait	Value
Days to Maturity	45
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)	30
Harden Off (days)	6

Culinary Notes

Chef's Note

Lance Swiss chard’s sweet-but-mineral profile and crisp rib structure make it a standout when you treat it like more than just greens—quick heat, minimal drowning, and let the stalks hold their bite. Blend the stalks and leaves for a sauce that turns intensely colored and silky without going muddy.

Best Uses

fast sauté where ribs and leaves keep distinct textures
silky blended sauces for pasta—stems for color, leaves for body
warm salads served tepid so it stays crisp and glossy
quick braise with citrus to tame minerals and sweeten

Flavor Profile

sweet, clean grassy flavor gentle mineral edge succulent, tender leaf texture crisp, snappy rib chew when cooked

Kitchen Pairings

lemon olive oil parmesan white beans butter black pepper

Frequently Asked Questions

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

Watch for leafminers and aphids on the undersides of Swiss chard leaves; leafminers leave winding trails and can make leaves unusable. Remove heavily affected leaves early, spray aphids with a strong jet of water or insecticidal soap, and use floating row cover to prevent egg-laying until plants are well established.

How often should I water Swiss chard during the main growing phase, and what soil moisture level should I aim for?

During the 30–45 day growth window, keep soil consistently moist but not waterlogged—about 1 inch of water per week total, split into 1–2 waterings if it’s hot or windy. Let the top 1 inch of soil dry slightly between waterings to avoid soggy conditions that can worsen leaf spot and root issues.

How do I tell when Swiss chard (Beta vulgaris var. cicla) is ready to harvest?

Begin harvesting around 45 days when leaves are large and flavorful: pick outer leaves once they’re at least 8–10 inches long. Harvest in stages (outer leaves first), leaving the central crown intact so the plant keeps producing for multiple pickings.