Swiss Chard is a cool weather ornamental and edible crop planted in early spring or late summer. Mulching will help retain the necessary moisture for this plant to thrive.
Fertilizer: When planted in the fall and used as an ornamental, it will not need any additional fertilizer.
Hardiness: Not hardy in Michigan
Water: Semi-dry to Moist
Soil: Plants prefer a nitrogen rich soil with plenty of organic matter. Sandy loam to clay loam.
Pests: Slugs and Snails – Begin watching for them so that you may set traps or hand pick.
Usage: The steamed stalks taste something like asparagus but milder. Swiss chard makes an excellent container plant or accent plant in the fall garden.
