Swiss Chard
Swiss Chard
Chard orSwiss Chard is a foliage beet which has beendeveloped for its large fleshy leafstalk. It is anexcellent pot herb for summer use in that it iswell adapted to hot weather. The leaves areprepared for the table like spinach, while theleafstalks are frequently cooked and served likeasparagus.
Varieties
There are only a few varieties of SwissChard. The most important are `Lucullus’,'Large Ribbed White’ and `Fordhook Giant’. Allof these varieties are somewhat similar ingrowth and productivity with large leaves andlight to dark green leafstalks. Rhubarb Chardhas dark green leaf blades but bright crimsonleafstalks.
Culture
Chard is planted and cultivated the same asthe Garden Beet. The rows are spacedfrom 15-18 in. apart and the plants thinnedwhen 0-4 in. high to 6-8 in. in the row. Theplants removed in thinning may be used asgreens.
A planting made in the spring will producegreens throughout the season.
Harvesting
The usual method of harvesting is to cut offthe outer leaves 1-2 in. from the ground whilethey are still tender. Care should be taken notto injure the remaining leaves or the bud.
Insects and Disease
Insects and disease problems are the same asfor the Garden Beet.
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