When to plant Swiss Chard in the UK

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
Sow outdoors April to September, harvest July to November.
ActivityJanuaryFebruaryMarchAprilMayJuneJulyAugustSeptemberOctoberNovemberDecember
Sow outdoorsNoNoNoYesYesYesYesYesYesNoNoNo
HarvestNoNoNoNoNoNoYesYesYesYesYesNo

UK averages · set your town for dates worked out from your local frost records · how dates are worked out

Growing guide

What to do through the growing season

Dates for your town

Set your town to see planting windows worked out from local frost history, not a generic UK calendar.

  1. 01

    Sow Seeds

    late April to early September UK average · set your town for your exact dates Optional · repeat every 3 weeks

    Sow around late April to early 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

    early May to early October UK average · set your town for your exact dates 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

    early May to mid-October UK average · set your town for your exact dates Dates as each sowing reaches this stage

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

  4. 04

    Water Regularly

    late April to late October UK average · set your town for your exact dates Dates as each sowing reaches this stage

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

  5. 05

    Harvest Leaves

    early July to early November UK average · set your town for your exact dates Dates as each sowing reaches this stage

    After each sowing, start cutting from early July. Pick the outer leaves and leave the centre growing. Keep picking through early 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.