Giant Red
80d to harvest
Sink your senses into Giant Red’s richly colored stalks, where deep garnet-red ribs rise with a crisp, refreshing snap and a clean, bright bite. At maturity, the plants form bold, upright clumps with substantial, well-blanched texture that holds its integrity in the garden and shines in classic celery preparations—ideal for roasting, simmering into savory bases, and adding vivid color to sauces and pickles.
Crop Dates
Growing note: In frost-free Zone 12a, grow this cool-season crop during the cooler dry season (October–February).
| Milestone | Date |
|---|---|
| Start Indoors | — |
| Climate | Frost-Free Climate |
| Transplant / Sow Outdoors | Oct 1st |
| Harvest Begins | Dec 20th |
| Harvest Ends | Feb 28th |
Crop Details
| Trait | Value |
|---|---|
| Days to Maturity | 80 |
| Sun Requirements | Part Sun |
| Growth Habit | Upright |
| Support Needed | None |
| Planting Depth | Normal |
| Germination Temp (°F) | 70 |
| Min Soil Temp (°F) | 45 |
| Min Night Temp (°F) | 28 |
| Harden Off (days) | 7 |
Recommended Companions
Frequently Asked Questions
What pest or disease most commonly affects Swiss chard (Beta vulgaris var. cicla) and how do I control it?
Watch for leafminers and aphids, which can leave stippled or curled leaves; inspect the undersides regularly. Remove heavily affected leaves and spray aphids with a strong stream of water, then use insecticidal soap if needed. For disease, keep leaves dry and improve airflow to reduce leaf spot and downy mildew—avoid overhead watering and remove yellowing/spotty foliage promptly.
How often should I water Swiss chard during the main growing phase (until harvest at ~80 days)?
Keep the soil consistently evenly moist, aiming for about 1 inch (2.5 cm) of water per week, increasing to 2–3 inches in hot, windy weather. Water at the base so the leaves stay dry, and check that the top 1–2 inches of soil are moist but not soggy. If growth slows or leaf stems become tough, increase watering frequency rather than just adding more water at once.