Chard, Swiss, 'Firebird'

Germination

Sow directly where it is to crop in spring as soon as the soil can be worked. Sow thinly 10mm deep, 5cm spacing in rows 45cm apart. Germination takes 13-17 days. Keep watered if conditions are dry. When large enough to handle thin to 15-25cm spacing. If you thin when plants are approx. 15cm high you can use the thinnings as a salad leaf. Avoid sowing in very hot weather where germination rate can be low.

Growing

Water regularly as this reduces bitterness. Easy to grow. Keep weed free. If flowers develop remove to extend the growing period.

Cultivation

Harvest baby leaf regularly by selecting a few leaves from each plant to promote fresh growth and to extend cropping season. For mature leaves allow leaves to get as large as you wish, but before they begin to wilt. To extend harvesting beyond first frosts cover crop with a cloche.