Lucullus

Family: Amaranthaceae Leafy Green

Tender, jewel-bright leaves unfurl with a velvety sheen and a crisp, succulent bite—Lucullus Swiss chard brings a richly earthy sweetness with a gentle, clean finish.

The broad, upright foliage forms an elegant rosette, while the stems offer striking color that deepens as the plants mature. Grow Lucullus for standout fresh salads, quick sautéing, and vibrant sauces that showcase its lush texture and vivid character.

Light: Full SunMaturity: 55 DaysHabit: Rosette

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

Crop Dates

Milestone	Date
Start Indoors	Mar 28th
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)	65
Min Soil Temp (°F)	40
Min Night Temp (°F)	30
Harden Off (days)	6

Culinary Notes

Chef's Note

Lucullus chard gives you jewel-bright sweetness with a clean, non-aggressive finish, plus a two-texture experience—velvety leaf and crisp stem. It’s the kind of leafy green that stays elegant and colorful whether you hit it with heat for a minute or keep it fresh for a salad under sharp citrus.

Best Uses

quick sauté in a hot pan so the leaves stay plush and the stems stay snappy
blanch-and-squeeze for a glossy, spinach-like base in sides and grain bowls
vibrant stem-forward sauces where the color deepens and thickens slightly on reduction
fresh salads where the leaves hold dressing without going limp

Flavor Profile

earthy sweetness clean, gentle bitterness tender velvety leaves crisp succulent bite from the stems

Kitchen Pairings

lemon extra-virgin olive oil parmesan feta white beans butter

Frequently Asked Questions

What pest or disease problem is most common on Swiss chard (Beta vulgaris var. cicla), and how do I treat it?

A frequent issue is leaf spot and downy/poor-airflow fungal problems, which show as small dark spots or yellowing patches that spread in humid weather. Remove badly affected leaves, improve airflow between plants, and water at the soil line (not on leaves). If spots keep expanding, apply a labeled fungicide for leafy greens according to the label and avoid harvesting for the label’s required pre-harvest interval.

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

During the main growth period, keep the root zone consistently moist but not waterlogged—aim for evenly damp soil about 1–2 inches down. In warm weather this is often every 2–4 days, while cooler spells may require longer intervals. If leaves start to wilt or curl during the day and recover slowly at night, increase watering frequency; if soil stays soggy or plants look mushy at the base, cut back immediately.

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

Harvest when plants are about 18–24 inches tall and individual leaves are large enough to eat—typically around 50–60 days after sowing. Pick outer leaves first once they reach a usable size (usually 8–12 inches long), leaving the center crown intact for continued regrowth. Stop harvesting when leaves become very small and tough or when the plant starts bolting (sending up a flower stalk).