Giant Red

Celery

Zone 13a Save Garden

🌱 80d to harvest Upright

Sink your senses into Giant Red’s richly colored stalks, where deep garnet-red ribs rise with a crisp, refreshing snap and a clea…

Crop Dates

Milestone	Date
Start Indoors	Oct 23rd
Last Frost	Jan 1st
Transplant / Sow Outdoors	Dec 25th
Harvest Begins	Mar 15th
Harvest Ends	—

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

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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.

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

Harvest when plants form thick, well-filled leaf stems (about 8–12 inches tall) and leaves are large enough to use, typically around 70–85 days. Cut outer leaves first at the base of the petiole to encourage continued regrowth; don’t strip the entire plant at once. If leaves become very small and the plant starts bolting (flowering stalk), harvest promptly and expect earlier toughening.

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.

Sowing Tips

Transplant Conditions

Wait until soil reaches 45°F and nights stay above 28°F before moving outdoors. Harden off for 7 days first.

Expert Note

Sow in cool weather for best sweetness, then keep plants evenly watered to reduce bitterness.