Ruby Red

Family: Asteraceae Leafy Green

Ruby Red brings a jewel-bright splash to the garden—crisp leaves edged in deep ruby and blushed with warm garnet over a cool green base.

At maturity (about 55 days), the Batavian heads form sturdy, upright rosettes with a satisfyingly crunchy bite and tender, sweet-green flavor. Ideal for fresh salads and vibrant garnishes, Ruby Red also shines when you want color-forward greens for quick tosses and bold, leafy bowls.

Light: Part 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	Part Sun
Growth Habit	Rosette
Support Needed	None
Planting Depth	Surface
Germination Temp (°F)	70
Min Soil Temp (°F)	40
Min Night Temp (°F)	35
Harden Off (days)	6

Culinary Notes

Chef's Note

Ruby Red’s Batavian structure gives you real crunch—dryish, upright rosette leaves that don’t slump fast under vinaigrette or warm toppings. Use it where you want both flavor and jewel-toned presence, especially with bright acid and salty cheese.

Best Uses

chopped salad with a light vinaigrette (dressings cling without turning the leaves to mush)
color-forward leafy bowls topped with warm proteins—heat wilts just the edges
crunchy sandwich or wrap layer where you want bite, not softness
quick toss salads where you want the leaves to stay upright and distinct

Flavor Profile

crisp, snappy bite sweet-green flavor with a clean, slightly peppery edge cool, juicy leafiness ruby-bright color that holds up visually in bowls

Kitchen Pairings

lemon olive oil feta goat cheese grilled chicken croutons

Frequently Asked Questions

What pests or diseases commonly affect Swiss chard (Beta vulgaris var. cicla) and how can I control them?

Swiss chard is especially prone to leaf spot and downy mildew in cool, humid weather; remove any infected leaves immediately and avoid wetting foliage when you water. Aphids and leaf miner flies are also frequent—blast aphids off with a strong stream of water and use insecticidal soap if they persist, and remove heavily mined leaves to slow the leaf miner’s spread.

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

During active leaf production, keep soil consistently evenly moist but not waterlogged—aim for about 1 inch (2.5 cm) of water per week, adjusted for rainfall and heat. In part-sun beds, check the top 1–2 inches of soil; water when that layer feels dry to the touch to prevent tough, bitter leaves and bolting.

How do I know when Ruby Red Swiss chard is ready to harvest?

Harvest when leaves are large enough for your use, typically around 50–60 days after sowing, with individual outer leaves about 6–10 inches long. Pick outer leaves first and leave the center growing point intact; regular harvesting keeps plants producing tender leaves and reduces the chance of bolting.