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Chard – also known as Swiss chard, perpetual spinach or leaf beat – is a versatile, easy and productive leaf crop, closely related to beetroot. With large, lush foliage and bright stems in a choice of colours, chard makes an attractive crop in a veg plot or large container. In fact, it looks good enough to grow in flower borders. The nutritious leaves can be harvested over a long season – when young they can be eaten raw in salads, while larger leaves can be cooked like spinach.

Chard is easy to grow from seed. Sow outdoors in spring or early summer for repeated harvests through summer into autumn, then sow a second batch in mid-summer that will overwinter outdoors and provide early harvests the following spring. For baby leaves to use in salads, you can sow small batches regularly and harvest young leaves repeatedly.

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There are several varieties of chard, varying in colour rather than flavour, so choosing which to grow is primarily about looks. It’s the thick leaf stems, mid-ribs and veins that provide most of the colour, although the green leaves may also be blushed with red. Stem colours are mainly hot shades of ruby, crimson, pink, orange or yellow, or pure white. The best-known variety, ‘Bright Lights’, offers a rainbow of eye-catching hues, while other varieties are a single colour. White-stemmed varieties tend to be hardiest and most productive, so are a good choice in colder locations, although all chard is hardy.

For easy and reliable varieties, look for those with an RHS Award of Garden Merit (AGM), which shows they performed well in our trials – see ourlist of AGM fruit and veg (135kB pdf) and Recommended Varieties below. Also, for more veg-growing inspiration, visit the RHS gardens, which all grow a wide range of leafy crops such as chard.

What and where to buy

You can buy chard seeds in garden centres and from online suppliers. They may also sell young chard plants in modules

Small individual cells, usually in a tray, used for sowing seeds. The resulting seedlings can be transplanted with minimal root disturbance. in spring and early summer, ready for planting outdoors.

Chard grows best in rich, moisture-retentive, free-draining soil. Prepare the ground ahead of sowing or planting by removing any weeds and forking in lots of home-made garden compost

Can refer to either home-made garden compost or seed/potting compost: • Garden compost is a soil improver made from decomposed plant waste, usually in a compost bin or heap. It is added to soil to improve its fertility, structure and water-holding capacity. Seed or potting composts are used for growing seedlings or plants in containers - a wide range of commercially produced peat-free composts are available, made from a mix of various ingredients, such as loam, composted bark, coir and sand, although you can mix your own. to improve drainage and enrich the soil. Alternatively, if you're practising no-dig, mulch

Mulch is a layer of material, at least 5cm (2in) thick, applied to the soil surface in late autumn to late winter (Nov-Feb). It is used to provide frost protection, improve plant growth by adding nutrients or increasing organic matter content, reducing water loss from the soil, for decorative purposes and suppressing weeds. Examples include well-rotted garden compost and manure, chipped bark, gravel, grit and slate chippings. the soil ahead of sowing or planting directly into the mulch.

Chard seeds are large and easy to sow. They can be sown outdoors from early spring to mid-summer, or can also be sown in modules

Small individual cells, usually in a tray, used for sowing seeds. The resulting seedlings can be transplanted with minimal root disturbance. indoors to produce an early crop.

Sowing indoors

For an early start, more reliable germination

Germination is the process by which a seed develops into a new plant. It starts with the seed coat absorbing water, expanding and splitting, which allows oxygen and water into the seed so its food reserves can be broken down and used by the embryo for growth. The first root (called the radicle) pushes into the soil to anchor the new plant in place and start absorbing water and nutrients. The first shoot (called the plumule) then grows upwards, out of the soil, towards the light. or to protect seedlings

A seedling is a young plant grown from seed. from slugs and snails, sow indoors from early spring onwards, into modular trays filled with peat-free seed compost

Seed compost is a free-draining compost formulated for germinating seed. It often contains a mix of fine materials including sterilised loam, coir, coarse sand or grit. It contains low levels of nutrients, as high levels could damage seedlings. . Sow one or two seeds per module (later thinning

Pulling out some of the seedlings, usually along a row, so the remaining seedlings are spaced further apart. It reduces overcrowded, which can hinder their growth. to one if necessary), cover with 2.5cm (1in) of compost

Can refer to either home-made garden compost or seed/potting compost: • Garden compost is a soil improver made from decomposed plant waste, usually in a compost bin or heap. It is added to soil to improve its fertility, structure and water-holding capacity. Seed or potting composts are used for growing seedlings or plants in containers - a wide range of commercially produced peat-free composts are available, made from a mix of various ingredients, such as loam, composted bark, coir and sand, although you can mix your own. , then water well.

Once the young chard plants are well rooted and at least 5cm (2in) tall, transplant them outdoors – see Planting, below.

Sowing outdoors

Sow chard seeds outdoors from April through to July. Choose a location in full sun, or with some light shade in summer. Make a drill

A miniature furrow typically 1–5cm deep, made with a stick, hoe or rake. It is used for planting seeds or bulbs, and ensures they are positioned at the correct depth and spacing. 2.5cm (1in) deep into prepared soil, water along the base, then space the large seeds 10cm (4in) apart along its length. Cover with soil and water again if dry. Space any additional rows 45cm (18in) apart. Thin out the seedlings

A seedling is a young plant grown from seed. gradually to 30cm (1ft) apart, or 5cm (2in) apart for mini-leaves, and protect from slugs and snails, especially in damp weather.

Two sowings – one in April and the second in July – are usually sufficient. The July sowing provides leaves the following spring when growth resumes. Alternatively, for regular pickings of baby leaves for salads, sow small batches every few weeks from March to August. For more sowing tips, see our guides below.

Sowing outdoors in containers

Chard can be grown in large containers, at least 40cm (16in) wide and deep, filled with peat-free multi-purpose compost

Can refer to either home-made garden compost or seed/potting compost: • Garden compost is a soil improver made from decomposed plant waste, usually in a compost bin or heap. It is added to soil to improve its fertility, structure and water-holding capacity. Seed or potting composts are used for growing seedlings or plants in containers - a wide range of commercially produced peat-free composts are available, made from a mix of various ingredients, such as loam, composted bark, coir and sand, although you can mix your own. . Sow from April through to July, spacing the seeds 10cm (4in) apart, then cover with about 2.5cm (1in) of compost. Water thoroughly but gently to avoid dislodging the seeds. Place the container in a warm, sunny spot and water regularly. Thin out the seedlings

A seedling is a young plant grown from seed. to 30cm (1ft) apart, or 5cm (2in) apart for baby salad leaves. For more container-growing tips, see our guides below.

Young chard plants grown from seed indoors or bought as young plants in modules

Small individual cells, usually in a tray, used for sowing seeds. The resulting seedlings can be transplanted with minimal root disturbance. can be planted outside when at least 5cm (2in) tall. Gradually acclimatise them to outdoor conditions first by hardening off. Choose a sunny planting site, perhaps with light shade in summer, and prepare the ground in advance (see above).

Gently remove the young chard plants one at a time from their modular tray, without disturbing the roots, and plant them 30cm (1ft) apart, or 5cm (2in) apart for cut-and-come-again salad leaves. Water them in well and protect from slugs and snails.

Planting in a container is a similar process – choose a large container at least 40cm (16in) wide and deep, and fill with peat-free multi-purpose compost

Can refer to either home-made garden compost or seed/potting compost: • Garden compost is a soil improver made from decomposed plant waste, usually in a compost bin or heap. It is added to soil to improve its fertility, structure and water-holding capacity. Seed or potting composts are used for growing seedlings or plants in containers - a wide range of commercially produced peat-free composts are available, made from a mix of various ingredients, such as loam, composted bark, coir and sand, although you can mix your own. . Use the spacings given above, and keep the young plants well watered.

Once established, chard is a robust, leafy plant that needs little maintenance apart from weeding. Younger plants and those in containers need more regular attention.

Watering

Water young chard plants regularly until well established. More mature plants are fairly drought tolerant, but for the best crop of leaves, water during long dry spells. Plants in containers need regular watering throughout their growing period, as the limited amount of compost

Can refer to either home-made garden compost or seed/potting compost: • Garden compost is a soil improver made from decomposed plant waste, usually in a compost bin or heap. It is added to soil to improve its fertility, structure and water-holding capacity. Seed or potting composts are used for growing seedlings or plants in containers - a wide range of commercially produced peat-free composts are available, made from a mix of various ingredients, such as loam, composted bark, coir and sand, although you can mix your own. dries out quickly.

Mulching

To help hold moisture in the soil and suppress weeds, spread a thick layer of mulch

Mulch is a layer of material, at least 5cm (2in) thick, applied to the soil surface in late autumn to late winter (Nov-Feb). It is used to provide frost protection, improve plant growth by adding nutrients or increasing organic matter content, reducing water loss from the soil, for decorative purposes and suppressing weeds. Examples include well-rotted garden compost and manure, chipped bark, gravel, grit and slate chippings. , such as garden compost

Can refer to either home-made garden compost or seed/potting compost: • Garden compost is a soil improver made from decomposed plant waste, usually in a compost bin or heap. It is added to soil to improve its fertility, structure and water-holding capacity. Seed or potting composts are used for growing seedlings or plants in containers - a wide range of commercially produced peat-free composts are available, made from a mix of various ingredients, such as loam, composted bark, coir and sand, although you can mix your own. , around chard plants once they are growing well. Leave a gap around the base of each plant, to ensure the stems don’t rot.

Mulching

Mulch is a layer of material, at least 5cm (2in) thick, applied to the soil surface in late autumn to late winter (Nov-Feb). It is used to provide frost protection, improve plant growth by adding nutrients or increasing organic matter content, reducing water loss from the soil, for decorative purposes and suppressing weeds. Examples include well-rotted garden compost and manure, chipped bark, gravel, grit and slate chippings. is not practical or necessary for chard grown as a cut-and-come-again salad crop.

Feeding

Chard doesn’t usually need feeding – it should grow well in most soils or in fresh potting compost

Can refer to either home-made garden compost or seed/potting compost: • Garden compost is a soil improver made from decomposed plant waste, usually in a compost bin or heap. It is added to soil to improve its fertility, structure and water-holding capacity. Seed or potting composts are used for growing seedlings or plants in containers - a wide range of commercially produced peat-free composts are available, made from a mix of various ingredients, such as loam, composted bark, coir and sand, although you can mix your own. .

Weeding

Weed regularly to reduce competition for water and nutrients – this is particularly important while plants are young, when weeds could easily overwhelm them. Dense weeds can also provide hiding places for slugs and snails, and reduce air circulation, which can encourage fungal diseases such as grey mould.

Bolting

In hot weather, chard plants may bolt (start to flower). Cut off any flower stems that start to form, and plants should continue to produce tasty leaves for a while longer. Flowering is inevitable though, and once it gets under way in earnest, chard plants will no longer be productive, so it’s usually time to remove and compost them.

If you don't need the space for another crop, you may prefer to leave bolting

When a vegetable plant starts flowering and forming seeds, often prematurely, making the crop unusable – salad leaves may turn bitter and root crops fail to swell. Adverse weather or changes in day length can cause bolting in a wide range of vegetables, including lettuces, onions , carrots and otheer root crops. chard in place as it can be very ornamental, especially those with coloured stems.

Winter protection

Chard is hardy, so will survive winter outdoors without protection, but will stop producing new leaves once temperatures drop. If you protect plants with cloches over winter, they may produce a few leaves in mild spells, and will sprout into growth faster in spring, providing valuable early pickings.

Plants growing in containers can be taken into a greenhouse over winter, and may give you some light harvests.

Chard plants provide pickings for several months, and if you sow in spring and again in mid-summer, you should have harvests for most of the year. The leaves can grow quite large, at least 30cm (1ft) tall, so a row of plants will give you plentiful harvests. Chard gives repeated or cut-and-come-again harvests, and regular picking encourages more leaves to form. You can either take just a few leaves from each plant or, with an established plant, cut all the leaves in one go:

• When taking a few leaves from each plant along the row, pick only the outer leaves, cutting them cleanly at the base of the stalk with secateurs or scissors. Keep several central leaves in place to grow and provide the next harvest a few weeks later. Take regular light pickings whenever plants have plenty of leaves
• You can take all the leaves from more established plants
  Established plants have been in their current location for two or three years and so have well-developed root systems able to support strong growth with healthy foliage and flowers. (at least 20cm/8in tall) if you prefer, as they have a sturdy root that will resprout a new set of replacement leaves. Allow longer between pickings with this method, and cut the leaves at least 5cm (2in) above the base to ensure regrowth. Plants should provide several harvests across the season

Young chard leaves, up to about 5cm (2in) long, can be used raw in salads, adding a dash of colour. Larger leaves can be steamed like spinach or added to stir-fries, stews and pasta sauces. They reduce in volume during cooking, so be sure to pick enough. The thick stems have a crunchy celery-like texture when raw, or can be lightly steamed, taking slightly longer to cook than the leaves.

Once established, chard plants are generally robust and produce a plentiful and reliable crop. However, you may need to protect seedlings

A seedling is a young plant grown from seed. from slugs and snails, especially in damp weather, and from birds. Leaf miners can cause cosmetic damage to foliage, but affected leaves can just be removed. In damp weather or overcrowded conditions, fungal diseases may affect the leaves, so space plants widely. For more on these and other issues, see Common problems, below.