Red Chard

Family: Amaranthaceae Leafy Green

Silk-warm crimson ribs rise from a velvet-green canopy, promising tender leaves with a crisp, juicy bite and a pleasantly earthy sweetness.

Red Chard forms an upright, well-filled clump in about 50 days, with glossy foliage that stays attractive and harvest-ready as the color deepens. Grow it for fresh salads and quick sautés, or for vibrant braises and hearty soups where its ruby stems lend both color and character.

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 25th
Harvest Begins	Jun 14th
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)	32
Harden Off (days)	7

Culinary Notes

Chef's Note

Red chard’s ruby ribs bring a clean, faintly tart edge that stands up to fast heat and holds shape when wilted—no collapse into swampy greens. Treat it like a hybrid of spinach and a crisp herb: quick sauté or short braise, then brighten hard with acid and finish creamy or salty.

Best Uses

quick sauté with a hot splash of fat and minimal steam so the leaves stay bright
braise or steam then finish with lemon to sharpen the stem’s tang
fold into thick soups and stews where the stems keep structure
raw or lightly dressed: thin-strip leaves and ribs for a crunchy salad

Flavor Profile

juicy, crisp leaf bite pleasantly earthy sweetness tart ruby-stem edge with mild mineral finish cooks up silky-tender without going mushy when treated right

Kitchen Pairings

lemon olive oil parmesan white beans eggs butter

Frequently Asked Questions

What’s the most common pest or disease issue on Swiss chard (Beta vulgaris var. cicla) and how do I fix it?

Watch for leaf spot and downy mildew, which show up as dark blotches or fuzzy gray growth on the undersides during humid weather. Remove infected leaves immediately, improve airflow by spacing plants, and avoid wetting foliage when watering. If the problem persists, use a labeled copper-based fungicide and spray early in the morning so foliage dries quickly.

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

During active growth (about weeks 2–6), keep the top 1–2 inches of soil consistently moist but not soggy. Water about 1–2 times per week depending on heat, applying enough to wet the root zone; in hot spells you may need more frequent deep watering. Mulch helps stabilize moisture, but make sure water drains freely to prevent crown rot.

How can I tell when red chard is ready to harvest?

Harvest when leaves are large enough to use—typically around 50 days—aim for individual leaves that are about 8–12 inches long and still tender. Cut outer leaves at the base of the petiole to encourage continued regrowth, rather than stripping the entire plant at once. If leaves become tough or overly large and the plant bolts, harvest immediately and consider re-sowing for a later crop.