Beta vulgaris var. cicla
Rainbow Swiss Chard
Amaranthaceae
Seedlings started and hardened off outdoors as of late March 2026. Establishing well with natural rainfall — no supplemental watering needed. Colorful stems showing early.
Care
A cool-season vegetable that tolerates light frosts; direct-sow or transplant outdoors 2–4 weeks before the last frost date. Harvest outer leaves individually to keep the plant producing — cutting the center slows regrowth. Hot weather and drought trigger bolting; consistent watering delays this. In zone 6b, a fall planting can extend harvest into early winter. The colorful stems are edible along with the leaves.