Chard – Bright Lights

Description

Latin Name – Beta vulgaris subsp. cicla var. flavescens

Sowing Instructions – Direct sow from February – October. Can be sown under cover earlier in a gutter or seed tray and transplanted when large enough to handle. Chard needs an open sunny site in rich, moisture-retentive free-draining soil, although it can tolerate some shade in summer. Add organic matter the autumn or winter prior to sowing if necessary and on poor soils apply a balanced fertiliser, such as Organic GroChar Fertiliser. Sow thinly 2.5cm (1in) deep, 10cm (4in) apart in rows 45cm (18in) apart. Two sowings – one in spring and the second in summer – are usually sufficient. The later sowing provides leaves the following spring when growth resumes. Chard also grows well in a pot, use a minimum 25cm (10in) deep container.

Hints and Tips – This will survive winter frosts to keep producing through until spring. Water before the onset of drought; mulch when the soil is warm and moist. Cover plants for overwintering in October with cloches or protect the crown with straw or similar material, then cover with fleece.

Seeds – 1.5g