When to plant Swiss Chard in Cambridge

Beta vulgaris subsp. cicla

Swiss Chard
Swiss Chard · Beta vulgaris subsp. cicla

Swiss chard is a hardy leaf crop that grows well in most UK gardens from spring through to the colder months. Sow in small batches for a long picking season, and harvest the outer leaves regularly to keep plants productive.

45 cm · Full Sun · Moderate Water

Add to garden

Calibrated to Cambridge · last frost ≈ 7 May

Sow outdoors April to September, harvest July to November. Frost risk October to May.
ActivityJanuaryFebruaryMarchAprilMayJuneJulyAugustSeptemberOctoberNovemberDecember
Sow outdoorsNoNoNoYesYesYesYesYesYesNoNoNo
HarvestNoNoNoNoNoNoYesYesYesYesYesNo

Growing guide

What to do through the growing season

  1. 01

    Sow Seeds

    30 Apr to 4 Sept Optional · repeat every 3 weeks

    Sow around 30th April - 4th September in shallow drills at . Sow a fresh batch every 21 days.

    • Slugs go for seedlings. Check the row after rain.

  2. 02

    Thin Seedlings

    14 May to 2 Oct Dates as each sowing reaches this stage

    After each sowing, once seedlings have their first true leaves, thin to apart. Use the thinnings in the kitchen. Water the row after thinning.

  3. 03

    Protect Young Plants

    14 May to 16 Oct Dates as each sowing reaches this stage

    After each sowing, from 14th May, check for slugs and snails, especially in damp weather. Hand-pick at dusk, or use barriers. Keep this up through 16th October.

  4. 04

    Water Regularly

    30 Apr to 19 Oct Dates as each sowing reaches this stage

    After each sowing, water young plants regularly from 30th April. Once they are established, water in dry spells. Keep this up through 19th October.

  5. 05

    Harvest Leaves

    9 Jul to 2 Nov Dates as each sowing reaches this stage

    After each sowing, start cutting from 9th July. Pick the outer leaves and leave the centre growing. Keep picking through 2nd November.

    • A cloche over winter can keep plants picking in spring. That is not a second method.

Suggested varieties

Popular varieties of Swiss Chard to consider

Bright Lights

A mixed-stem strain with stems in yellow, orange, pink and red. Good for regular picking and gives a bright crop in the veg plot.

Fordhook Giant

A reliable green-stemmed variety with broad leaves and thick stalks. Suits repeated cutting and stands well in cooler weather.

Lucullus

A long-standing green variety with crinkled leaves and pale stems. Often grown for its steady cropping and mild flavour.

Swiss Chard guides by town

See how Swiss Chard timing shifts in other towns with different frost dates.