Exclusive - Colorful, long-standing heirloom with green leaves and crunchy stalks that show off in a rainbow of colors, including red, pink, white, and gold.
- Sow seeds 1/2 in deep and 1 in apart in rows 10 in apart or broadcast thinly for bed planting
- Firm soil well over these irregularly shaped seeds to ensure good germination
- If first sowing germinates unevenly, plant more seed as seedlings catch up quickly
- When large enough to handle, thin seedlings to final spacing of 8 to 10 in apart so these large plants have room to grow and mature
- In mild winter areas, it can be grown year round, give seedlings enough room, because chard grows into large vase shaped plants 2 ft tall
- Begin harvesting when plants are well established and have at least 6 to 8 leaves, both stalks and leaves make great eating
- Chop and steam or sauté with garlic and olive oil, use like spinach in lasagna or minestrone soup
- Try tasty chard leaves stuffed and poached in broth with a dash of olive oil and fresh lemon