• Rhubarb Swiss Chard packet Paquet Rhubarbe Swiss Chard
  • Fresh Rhubarb Swiss Chard in the garden Rhubarbe fraîche Charde Suisse dans le jardin
  • Kids enjoying Rhubarb Swiss in the kitchen Les enfants apprécient Rhubarb Swissin la cuisine
  • A Man holding a bunch of Rhubarb Swiss Un homme tenant un tas de Rhubarbe Suisse
  • Healthy Rhubarb Swiss Chard plants in the garden Rhubarbe saine Plantes de Charde Suisse dans le jardin
1 5

JNB Seed

Rhubarb Swiss Chard Seed

Rhubarb Swiss Chard Seed

$4.50 CAD
$4.50 CAD
Sale Sold out
Seed Count

Ruby Red, also known as Rhubarb, stands out as a striking Swiss chard variety with its vibrant red stems set against dark green leaves, reaching heights of up to 61 centimeters. This enduring heirloom has graced gardens since the 1850s, offering versatility in harvest; whether picked young for salads or allowed to mature for culinary delights.

As a cool weather heirloom, Rhubarb Swiss Chard has remained a cherished garden staple since the 1850s. Flourishing in cooler climates, it boasts greater frost tolerance compared to other Swiss chard varieties, although it can withstand summer heat with proper hydration.

Rhubarb Red Swiss chard adds a visually stunning touch to any vegetable garden, with its deep crimson stems and contrasting dark green leaves. Ready for harvest in just 60 days, it offers the option of harvesting mature leaves or enjoying tender baby leaves, making it a versatile addition to salads or cooked dishes. Despite its name, Swiss chard traces its origins back to the Mediterranean region, where it has been cherished by both professional chefs and home cooks for its culinary versatility. Its introduction to the United States dates back to the pages of The American Farmer magazine, where Baltimore farmer Gideon Smith shared his early experiments with the vegetable. Gradually gaining popularity post-Civil War, Swiss chard has cemented its place as a beloved garden favorite.

How To Grow

Sowing: Plant Swiss chard directly in the soil approximately one week after the last spring frost, burying the seeds about 1.27 centimeters deep in compost-enriched soil exposed to full sunlight. Space the plants 10-13 centimeters apart for entire plant harvesting, or 20.3-25.4 centimeters apart for continual outer stalk harvesting, promoting larger growth. To ensure a continuous summer crop, sow additional Rhubarb Red Swiss chard seeds every two weeks. Expect germination within approximately one week. Swiss chard exhibits tolerance to light frosts and can serve as a suitable fall crop.

Growing: Maintain consistently moist and weed-free soil through the application of mulch. Adequate moisture is particularly critical during the seedlings' initial growth stages.

Harvesting

Harvest individual leaves for greens once they attain a height of 15.24-20.32 centimeters. For harvesting the entire plant, cut it at the surface of the soil, leaving approximately 2.54 centimeters of stem intact to facilitate continued growth and subsequent harvests. Alternatively, outer stalks can be harvested individually, leaving the central heart to mature further.

Seed Saving

Due to Swiss chard's wind-pollination, ensure isolation from other chard and beet varieties by a minimum distance of 3.22 kilometers to maintain genetic purity. To facilitate seed production, chard plants must endure winter conditions; in warmer climates, mulching suffices, while in cooler climates, root storage in sand, with adequate spacing and humidity, is necessary. Replant the roots in early spring. Upon seed head maturation in spring, wait until they are fully dry before removing them. The seeds easily detach from the stems when completely dry. Store Rhubarb Red Swiss chard seeds in a cool, dry environment for up to five years.

Extra Facts

Planting Methods: Directly sow Rhubarb Swiss seeds in well-drained soil, burying them 1.27 centimeters deep, and maintain soil temperature between 18-24 degrees Celsius.

Blooming Season: Rhubarb Swiss typically blooms in the summer months, from June to August, depending on the specific climate conditions.

Planting Season: Plant Rhubarb Swiss seeds in the spring, after the last frost date has passed, for optimal growth and development.

Latin Name/USDA Zones: The Latin name for Rhubarb Swiss is Beta vulgaris, and it thrives in USDA Hardiness Zones 3-10.

Sunlight Required/Height: Rhubarb Swiss requires full sunlight to partial shade and can grow up to 60-90 centimeters in height.

Shelf Life After Test Date: Rhubarb Swiss seeds have a shelf life of approximately 2-3 years after the test date if stored in a cool, dry place.

Seed Type: Rhubarb Swiss seeds are open-pollinated and can produce viable offspring true to the parent plant.

Soil Type: Rhubarb Swiss prefers loamy soil with good drainage, although it can tolerate a variety of soil types, including clay and sandy soil.

View full details