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Swiss Chard

Beta vulgaris (Leaf Beet Group)
Also known as: Chard, Silverbeet, Mangold, Perpetual Spinach, Roman Kale, Spinach Beet, Seakale Beet

Swiss Chard is a vegetable in the Amaranthaceae family. It grows best in full sun to part shade with medium moisture, and is listed for USDA zones 2-13. Plants reach harvest about 26–86 days after planting and sit about 6 inches apart.

Varieties

30 from Seeds Now, True Leaf Market & High Mowing · sorted by days to maturity
  • Barese "Baby Leaf" Dark Green26–34 days

    Can tolerate hot temperatures; Direct sow; Grows well in full sun; Grows well with containers; Grows well with raised beds; Matures in <90 days; Start indoors; Super easy to grow

    The Barese Swiss Chard variety produces delicious tender 10" tall dark glossy green leaves with curled edges A delicious baby leaf that grows quickly Ready to harvest in less than 30 days. Plant produces good yields of 10" tall leaves Excellent for salads and/or steamed with others greens Days to Maturity | Less than 30 days! Additional Details Swiss chard is high in vitamins A, K and C, with a 175g serving containing 214%, 716%, and 53%, respectively, of the recommended daily value. It is also rich in minerals, dietary fiber and protein.

    View on Seeds Now
  • Barese Dark Green Smooth Leaf28–50 days

    Heirloom; Container; Vegetable; Annual

    Barese Dark Green Smooth Leaf Swiss Chard Seeds. 28 Days to harvest. Non-GMO, heirloom, open pollinated seeds. Beta vulgaris ssp. cicla. AKA: Barese Swiss Chard. Italian variety. Barese Swiss Chard is commonly grown for baby greens. But when grown to maturity, they have a rich, spinach like flavor. The leaves are bright green, glossy, and wavy at the edges.

    View on True Leaf Market
  • Fordhook Giant42–58 days

    Broad stems; High yielding

    An easy winner for appearance and flavor in our trials. Broad, white stems and midribs contrasting with deep green, savoyed leaves make Fordhook a bestseller. Large plants have very upright architecture with high yield potential, excellent for commercial growers.

    Growing notes: Days to maturity are from direct seeding; if transplanting subtract 14-21 days. Chard is a hardy biennial that can be direct seeded all season long and used for winter tunnels. Tolerates mild freezes. Transplants can be started 4-6 weeks before planting outdoors, after the danger of frost has passed. Immature plants can withstand temps down to 32°F. Optimal germination temp is 55-75°F. For baby leaf production, sow every week until four weeks before frost date. Prefers nutrient-rich soils with good drainage and a pH between 6.0-7.0.

    View on High Mowing
  • Lucullus42–58 days

    Heirloom; Container; Vegetable; Annual

    50 days. The Lucullus Swiss Chard seed variety produces large green leaves and white stems. This variety is one of the best for gardeners looking for a swiss chard that is delicious and flavorful, as white swiss chard tends to have the best texture and taste. These stems are strong and crunchy, with luscious leaves, both excellent steamed or used in salads. The taste of the leaves is quite like that of spinach, with bitter undertones. This crop can grow in zones 6 and up, and the leaves can be harvested after fifty days.

    View on True Leaf Market
  • Bright Lights47–63 days

    Heirloom; AAS Winner; Container; Vegetable; Annual

    55 days. AAS Winner for 1998. A vibrant new Swiss Chard. Distinguished by stems of many different colors - gold, pink, orange, purple, red, and white. This variety is a great choice for gardeners hoping to brighten up their garden. These plants are attractive in all stages of growth. They are vigorous and widely adapted. This variety also has a milder taste than ordinary chard. The Bright Lights Swiss Chard seed mix is a blend of colored chards. They should be grown in zones 6 and higher, and each stalk can be harvested around 55 days after planting.

    View on True Leaf Market
  • Rhubarb47–63 days

    Heirloom; Container; Vegetable; Annual

    55 days. Rhubarb Swiss Chard leaves are a beautiful variety and excellent in the kitchen as well. Recommended by USU. This plant produces dark reddish-green, heavily crumpled leaves, beautiful crimson stalks and veins. Their veins are thinner than those of many other varieties, providing large leaves with beautiful slender crimson veins. This variety does well in zones six or higher. Stalks are ready to be harvested after only 55 days, and can be harvested continually if the plant is allowed to continue production.

    View on True Leaf Market
  • Ruby Red47–63 days

    Heirloom; Container; Vegetable; Annual

    55 days. This plant produces good yields of dark green shiny leaves with ruby red stalks and veins. Both the stems and the leaves xcellent for salads and steamed with other vegetables and greens. This plant yields all summer long into the fall, with stems that can be individually harvested after around fifty five days. The Swiss Chard Ruby Red is a variety that can grow to be two feet tall. These leaves taste slightly bitter, similar to spinach, with fresh and crunchy texture.

    View on True Leaf Market
  • Ruby Red (Organic)47–63 days

    Heirloom; Organic; Container; Vegetable; Annual

    55 days. Ruby Red Swiss Chard is a beautiful addition to the garden, and a delicious addition to the kitchen. These plants grow stems up to two feet tall with bright red stems and veins and dark green leaves. Yields are high, and can be harvested throughout the entire summer. Both the stems and the leaves are delicious when steamed or used in salads. An excellent and fun summer crop that sells well at farmers markets due to its striking color.

    View on True Leaf Market
  • Yellow47–63 days

    Container; Vegetable; Annual

    55 days. The Yellow Swiss Chard is a variety that produces dark green leaves on bright Yellow stems. These stems are excellent as an ornamental piece in the garden, but taste just as great when taken to the kitchen. The bright yellow stems and the leaves can both be used in different ways for cooking. This crop should be grown in an area in zone 6 or a higher zone. After 55 days the crop is ready to be harvested.

    View on True Leaf Market
  • Japanese Umaina50–60 days

    Heirloom; Container; Vegetable; Annual

    50-60 Days to maturity. Beta vulgaris var. cicla. Chard Seeds - Japanese Umaina. Non-GMO Annual Heirloom. This tender Japanese variety has beautiful broad, slightly wrinkled leaves with short midribs. It can withstand hot and cold temperatures and is very slow to bolt. This makes it great for a lower-maintenance harvest-when-desired fresh green. Exemplary for fresh market and home garden growing. While it is not widely available for purchase, all who grow it themselves fall in love with its tender and sweet young leaves. ~ 1,900 seeds per oz.

    View on True Leaf Market
  • Perpetual Spinach50–60 days

    Heirloom; Non-GMO; Container; Vegetable; Annual

    Not spinach at all, but because it still keeps giving healthy green leaves during the heat when most spinach has gone to seed it does seem perpetual or never ending.

    View on True Leaf Market
  • Rhubarb (Organic)50–60 days

    Heirloom; Organic; Container; Vegetable; Annual

    Organic Rhubarb Swiss Chard Seeds. 50 - 60 days to maturity. Can be grown in containers. Can be grown as microgreens. Beta vulgaris. Heirloom, Non-GMO, Annual. ~ 1,500 Seeds/ounce.

    View on True Leaf Market
  • Flamingo51–69 days

    Heirloom; Container; Vegetable; Annual

    Flamingo Swiss Chard Seeds. 60 days to full maturity. 30 days to maturity for baby leaves. Can be grown in containers. Can be grown as micro greens. Beta vulgaris. Open Pollinated. Annual. ~ 1,100 seeds/ounce.

    View on True Leaf Market
  • Improved Rainbow Blend51–69 days

    Narrow to broad stems; Upright, easy to harvest

    Striking improved blend of red, pink, white, yellow and gold stems. Upright habit makes for clean production and easy harvesting. Color intensity is not as well defined early on; mostly pink, red and white at baby stage. Grow to full size for a dazzling display at market.

    Growing notes: Days to maturity are from direct seeding; if transplanting subtract 14-21 days. Chard is a hardy biennial that can be direct seeded all season long and used for winter tunnels. Tolerates mild freezes. Transplants can be started 4-6 weeks before planting outdoors, after the danger of frost has passed. Immature plants can withstand temps down to 32°F. Optimal germination temp is 55-75°F. For baby leaf production, sow every week until four weeks before frost date. Prefers nutrient-rich soils with good drainage and a pH between 6.0-7.0.

    View on High Mowing
  • Oriole Orange51–69 days

    Container; Vegetable; Annual

    60 Days to maturity. Beta vulgaris var. cicla. Oriole Orange Swiss Chard Vegetable Seeds. Non-GMO, annual, open-pollinated, swiss chard. Grow in garden plots, raised beds, containers (at least 12 inches), or greenhouses. Oriole Orange Swiss Chard is a visually striking and versatile addition to any garden, recognized for its vibrant orange stems and deep green leaves. This variety adds a pop of color to garden beds and dishes alike, with its mild, slightly earthy flavor that is similar to spinach. Its tender leaves and crunchy stems make it perfect for fresh salads, sautéing, or as a colorful garnish to brighten up your meals. ~2,300 seeds/oz.

    View on True Leaf Market
  • Peacock Formulated Blend51–69 days

    HMOS EXCLUSIVE; Formulated Blend; Narrow to broad stems; Specialty appeal

    Gorgeous, formulated blend of red, golden-yellow, pink and white stems with specialty appeal. This carefully formulated blend combines a beautiful array of colors that are evenly distributed, creating eye-catching and balanced, rainbow bunches of marketable quality. Reliable yields of consistently colorful leaves with uniform maturity.

    Growing notes: Days to maturity are from direct seeding; if transplanting subtract 14-21 days. Chard is a hardy biennial that can be direct seeded all season long and used for winter tunnels. Tolerates mild freezes. Transplants can be started 4-6 weeks before planting outdoors, after the danger of frost has passed. Immature plants can withstand temps down to 32°F. Optimal germination temp is 55-75°F. For baby leaf production, sow every week until four weeks before frost date. Prefers nutrient-rich soils with good drainage and a pH between 6.0-7.0.

    View on High Mowing
  • Pink Lipstick51–69 days

    Heirloom; Container; Vegetable; Annual

    60 days. Pink Lipstick Swiss Chard is named after the bright pink hue of its stems and veins. Plants grow green delicious leaves that can be used as bitter and tender greens, tasting quite similar to spinach. These plants can be harvested after 30 days for baby greens, or 60 days for full grown greens. This pink lipstick swiss chard will add color to your garden and brighten up your dinner table. It is as tasty as it is pretty.

    View on True Leaf Market
  • Rainbow Mixture51–69 days

    Heirloom; Container; Vegetable; Annual

    60 days. The Rainbow Mixture Swiss Chard seed mix is a blend of different colored swiss chard varieties. The chard can grow in zones 6 and up, and the leaves can be harvested after around sixty days. The Rainbow Mixture Swiss Chard leaves have a bitter taste, similar to that of spinach. Our own blend of colored swiss chards includes red, yellow, orange, white, and vivid pink stems that merge into dark green savoyed leaves. The rainbow heads are slow to bolt and quite lovely in bunches. This variety is ornamental/edible landscaping at its best.

    View on True Leaf Market
  • Rainbow Mixture (Organic)51–69 days

    Heirloom; Vegetable; Annual; Container; Organic

    60 days. Organic Rainbow Mixture Swiss Chard seeds. Beta vulgaris var. cicla. Non-GMO. Organic Rainbow mixture swiss chard seed is the perfect variety mix for the home gardener who wants an array of colors all in one area of the garden. This variety mixture includes swiss chard with stems colored red, orange, yellow, pink, and white, all with dark green savoyed leaves. It is a beautiful and exciting addition to the garden, and it is delicious as well. Both the leaves and the stems can be used in the kitchen, and they have a bitter, spinach like taste. ~1,100 seeds/oz.

    View on True Leaf Market
  • Rhubarb Supreme51–69 days

    Broad stem; Striking colors

    Deep red-stemmed chard with vibrant green leaves. A product of an exciting breeding project conducted by Dr. John Navazio, Nash’s Organic Produce, and Organic Seed Alliance, this excellent chard variety is an improvement on the classic “rhubarb” type. Perfect for full-sized bunching, this variety has been selected for bolt resistance which tends to affect red chard varieties the most. Leaves are large and savoyed with exceptional savory flavor. This variety is a favorite of growers due to its striking colors and outstanding performance.

    Growing notes: Days to maturity are from direct seeding; if transplanting subtract 14-21 days. Chard is a hardy biennial that can be direct seeded all season long and used for winter tunnels. Tolerates mild freezes. Transplants can be started 4-6 weeks before planting outdoors, after the danger of frost has passed. Immature plants can withstand temps down to 32°F. Optimal germination temp is 55-75°F. For baby leaf production, sow every week until four weeks before frost date. Prefers nutrient-rich soils with good drainage and a pH between 6.0-7.0.

    View on High Mowing
  • Ruby/Rhubarb Red51–69 days

    Narrow stems; Micro, baby or full size crop

    Rich crimson red stems and bright green savoyed leaves. Our improved strain of this standard red has been selected for highly savoyed leaves, color contrast and minimal chocolate leaves late in the season. Good early coloring of stems, perfect for microgreens or baby leaf.

    Growing notes: Days to maturity are from direct seeding; if transplanting subtract 14-21 days. Chard is a hardy biennial that can be direct seeded all season long and used for winter tunnels. Tolerates mild freezes. Transplants can be started 4-6 weeks before planting outdoors, after the danger of frost has passed. Immature plants can withstand temps down to 32°F. Optimal germination temp is 55-75°F. For baby leaf production, sow every week until four weeks before frost date. Prefers nutrient-rich soils with good drainage and a pH between 6.0-7.0.

    View on High Mowing
  • Sunset51–69 days

    Bright golden-yellow stems; Gorgeous green leaves

    Bright golden-yellow stems that vein beautifully into glossy, broad, green leaves. Plants are large and uniform, displaying a beautiful bouquet of deep green leaves on cheerful golden stems. Performs well in variable weather, exhibiting exceptional quality as a microgreen, when harvested as a baby leaf and when grown to full size for bunching. Can be mixed with other colors for a classic rainbow appeal

    Growing notes: Days to maturity are from direct seeding; if transplanting subtract 14-21 days. Chard is a hardy biennial that can be direct seeded all season long and used for winter tunnels. Tolerates mild freezes. Transplants can be started 4-6 weeks before planting outdoors, after the danger of frost has passed. Immature plants can withstand temps down to 32°F. Optimal germination temp is 55-75°F. For baby leaf production, sow every week until four weeks before frost date. Prefers nutrient-rich soils with good drainage and a pH between 6.0-7.0.

    View on High Mowing
  • Canary Yellow55–75 days

    Can tolerate hot temperatures; Direct sow; Grows well in full sun; Grows well with containers; Grows well with raised beds; Matures in <90 days; Start indoors; Super easy to grow

    Yellow Canary Swiss Chard The Yellow Canary Swiss Chard is a popular plant that produces some of the most amazing looking swiss chard leaves in a bright shades of yellow. - Perfect for salads or steamed greens. - One of this years most popular varieties to grow. - Extremely healthy. - Easy to grow. Day to Maturity | 65 days Additional Details Swiss chard is high in vitamins A, K and C, with a 175g serving containing 214%, 716%, and 53%, respectively, of the recommended daily value. It is also rich in minerals, dietary fiber and protein.

    View on Seeds Now
  • Hot Pink55–75 days

    Can tolerate hot temperatures; Direct sow; Grows well in full sun; Grows well with containers; Grows well with raised beds; Matures in <90 days; Start indoors; Super easy to grow

    The Pink Swiss Chard produces excellent yields of dark green shiny leaves with magenta/hot pink stalks and veins - Excellent for salads, juicing, and/or steamed with others greens - Extremely healthy - Easy to grow Days to Maturity | 65 days Additional Details Swiss chard is high in vitamins A, K and C, with a 175g serving containing 214%, 716%, and 53%, respectively, of the recommended daily value. It is also rich in minerals, dietary fiber and protein.

    View on Seeds Now
  • Large White Ribbed55–60 days

    Heirloom; Container; Vegetable; Annual

    Large White Ribbed Swiss Chard Seeds. 55 - 60 days to maturity. Can be grown in containers. Can be grown as microgreens. Beta vulgaris. Open Pollinated. Annual. About 1,100 seeds/ounce.

    View on True Leaf Market
  • Magenta Sunset55–75 days

    Can tolerate hot temperatures; Direct sow; Grows well in full sun; Grows well with containers; Grows well with raised beds; Matures in <90 days; Start indoors; Super easy to grow

    The Magenta Swiss Chard is a popular plant that produces bright magenta colored stems - Perfect for salads or steamed greens - One of this years most popular varieties to grow - Extremely healthy - Easy to grow Days to Maturity | 65 days Additional Details Swiss chard is high in vitamins A, K and C, with a 175g serving containing 214%, 716%, and 53%, respectively, of the recommended daily value. It is also rich in minerals, dietary fiber and protein.

    View on Seeds Now
  • Orange55–75 days

    Can tolerate hot temperatures; Direct sow; Grows well in full sun; Grows well with containers; Grows well with raised beds; Matures in <90 days; Start indoors; Super easy to grow

    The Orange Swiss Chard is a popular plant that produces some of the most amazing looking swiss chard leaves in a bright shade of orange - Perfect for salads or steamed greens - One of this years most popular varieties to grow - Extremely healthy - Easy to grow Days to Maturity | 65 days Additional Details Swiss chard is high in vitamins A, K and C, with a 175g serving containing 214%, 716%, and 53%, respectively, of the recommended daily value. It is also rich in minerals, dietary fiber and protein.

    View on Seeds Now
  • Rainbow Mix55–75 days

    Can tolerate hot temperatures; Direct sow; Grows well in full sun; Grows well with containers; Grows well with raised beds; Matures in <90 days; Start indoors; Super easy to grow

    The Rainbow Swiss Chard is a popular plant that produces some of the most amazing looking swiss chard leaves in shades of red, orange, purple, yellow, and white - Perfect for salads or steamed greens - One of this years most popular varieties to grow - A heirloom variety from Australia - Extremely healthy - Easy to grow Days to Maturity | 65 days Additional Details Swiss chard is high in vitamins A, K and C, with a 175g serving containing 214%, 716%, and 53%, respectively, of the recommended daily value. It is also rich in minerals, dietary fiber and protein.

    View on Seeds Now
  • Cardinal64–86 days

    Heirloom; Vegetable; Annual

    Cardinal Swiss Chard Seeds. 75 days to maturity for bunching greens. 45 days to maturity for baby leaf. Can be grown in containers. Can be grown as micro-chard. Beta vulgaris. Open Pollinated. Annual. Approximately 1,100 seeds/ounce.

    View on True Leaf Market
  • Cardinal (Organic)64–86 days

    Heirloom; Organic; Container; Vegetable; Annual

    Organic Cardinal Swiss Chard Seeds. 75 days to maturity for bunching greens. 45 days to maturity for baby leaf. Can be grown in containers. Can be grown as sprouts. Beta vulgaris. Open Pollinated, Non-GMO, Annual. ~ 1,500 Seeds/ounce.

    View on True Leaf Market
Family
Amaranthaceae
Category
Vegetable
Form
Rosette
Lifecycle
annual
Zone
2-13
Height
0.6666666666666666–2 ft
Spread
0.3333333333333333–1.5 ft
Sun
Full sun to part shade

Plant spacing

4 plants per square footSquare-foot planting diagram: a 1-foot square divided into a 2-by-2 grid holding 4 swiss chard plants spaced 6 inches apart.
4 plants per square foot

In a square-foot bed, space swiss chard about 6 in apart — that fits 4 plants in each 1-foot square (2×2). Wider rows or containers space the same.

Water
Medium

Plan your swiss chard planting

Add swiss chard to a free GardenDraft plan and get sow, transplant, and harvest dates computed for your ZIP code — with a drag-and-drop bed layout and reminders when it’s time to plant.

Start your free plan →

At a glance

Days to harvest
26–86 days
From transplant or sow to first harvest
Harvest style
Keep picking
Crops over several weeks
After harvest
Use within days
Quality eases off after peak
Frost tolerance
Semi-hardy · to ~24°F
Lowest temperature the foliage usually survives
Succession
Re-sow every 14 days
Sow again at this interval for a continuous harvest
Germination
~65%
Typical minimum germination rate

Storing & preserving

Refrigerate in a bag with a paper towel; best within a week.

  • Freeze: Cooking greens freeze after blanching; salad greens don't.

General home-preservation guidance — for tested processing times and safety, follow the National Center for Home Food Preservation.

Growing timeline

When to plant and harvest swiss chardPlanting timeline for swiss chard, relative to last frost: grow from 4 weeks before last frost to around last frost; harvest from around last frost to 8 weeks after last frost.GrowHarvestLast frostDirect sow
Direct-sow swiss chard 4 weeks before last frost; first harvest around last frost.
Outdoor planting
-28 to -7 days vs frost
Propagation
Seed
Schedule anchor
Last Frost

Companion planting — with cited sources

From US/Canada cooperative-extension publications and peer-reviewed studies. Evidence-tier dots show how strongly each recommendation is backed: ●●● peer-reviewed mechanism · ●● extension consensus · traditional knowledge with a plausible mechanism.

Pairs well with (3)

  • Common CabbageEvidence tier C: Traditional practice with plausible mechanism but limited empirical replicationsoil-conditioning

    Beets are commonly recommended near brassicas; both are moderate to heavy feeders in similar fertility windows and beet leaves return potassium-rich residues.

    Source: University of Maryland Extension

  • Common LettuceEvidence tier C: Traditional practice with plausible mechanism but limited empirical replicationshade-shelter

    Beets and lettuce share cool-season cultural needs and occupy different vertical layers (root vs. low canopy), making them efficient bed partners; no documented pest mechanism.

    Source: University of Maryland Extension

  • Common OnionEvidence tier C: Traditional practice with plausible mechanism but limited empirical replicationpest-deter

    Onion and beet are traditional bedfellows in extension home-garden guides; onion volatiles plausibly mask beet from leafminer flies, though direct trials are limited. Spatial use of bed is the main practical benefit.

    Source: S1, University of Maryland Extension

Avoid planting near (2)

  • Common SpinachEvidence tier B: Extension consensus across multiple US/Canada land-grant institutionsdisease-host, alternate-host-pest

    Beet and spinach share the spinach/beet leafminer (Pegomya hyoscyami) and Cercospora leaf spot. Avoid sequential plantings or interplant with caution.

    Source: S1, University of Maryland Extension

  • QuinoaEvidence tier B: Extension consensus across multiple US/Canada land-grant institutionsalternate-host-pest, disease-host

    Quinoa and beet share leafminer flies and several fungal leaf diseases; rotating or separating these chenopod crops is recommended.

    Source: S22, Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada

Sources cited

S1
Cornell University Cooperative Extension — vegetable production guides
S22
University of Saskatchewan / Saskatchewan Ministry of Agriculture
S25
Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada
S9
University of Maryland Extension — Home & Garden Info Center

Care & troubleshooting— extension-sourced, with citations

When to feed, prune & water

Mulch to suppress weeds and retain moisture

Mulch
  • Routine careApply organic mulch around plantsstrong evidence — extension confidence

    Spread a few inches of straw, shredded leaves, or compost around established plants (keeping it off stems) to hold soil moisture, suppress weeds, and moderate soil temperature; wait until soil has warmed for heat-loving crops.

    Source: UMN Extension; Missouri Botanical Garden

Plan crop rotation

Rotation
  • Routine careRotate plant families between bedsstrong evidence — extension confidence

    Avoid planting the same family in the same bed in consecutive years (aim for a 3+ year gap), grouping crops by family so soilborne diseases and pests that build up don't carry over to the next susceptible crop.

    Source: UMN Extension; Cornell

  • Routine careSequence for soil healthmoderate evidence — extension confidence

    Follow heavy feeders like tomatoes and brassicas with legumes or a cover crop to support soil fertility and structure, and keep simple notes each year so you can track where each family grew.

    Source: UMN Extension

Protect the garden from rabbits and voles

Protection
  • Routine careFence out rabbitsstrong evidence — extension confidence

    Surround beds with 1-inch mesh chicken wire at least 2 feet tall with the bottom buried or staked down a few inches so rabbits can't push under it.

    Source: UMN Extension; Cornell CCE

  • Routine careReduce vole habitat and guard stemsstrong evidence — extension confidence

    Keep grass and mulch pulled back from plant bases and crowns to remove vole cover, mow surrounding vegetation, and use hardware-cloth guards around vulnerable woody stems before winter.

    Source: UMN Extension; Cornell CCE

Thin beet-family seedlings

Thinning
  • Routine careThin clusters to one plant each· every 2 wks · ~2 wksstrong evidence — extension confidence

    Beet/chard 'seeds' are clusters, so several sprout together. Thin to one strong seedling every 3-4 in; the thinnings are edible greens.

    Source: UMN Extension

Clean up debris and sanitize at season end

Sanitation

Unusual this time of year.

  • Routine careRemove spent plants and fallen debrisstrong evidence — extension confidence

    Pull and clear old plants, dropped fruit, and leaf litter at season end, since many pests and diseases overwinter in this debris; dispose of diseased material rather than composting it.

    Source: UMN Extension; Cornell

  • Routine careClean tools, stakes, and cagesmoderate evidence — extension confidence

    Wash and sanitize stakes, cages, and tools that touched diseased plants before storing or reusing them to avoid carrying pathogens into next season.

    Source: Cornell; UMN Extension

Something looks wrong?

Describe what you see on your swiss chardand we'll rank the likely causes — most likely first, least-invasive fix first.

Blister beetles

Pestmoderate

Symptoms: swarms of elongated soft-bodied beetles; rapid defoliation of leaves and flowers; gray, black, or striped beetles clustered on plants; skeletonized foliage on tomatoes and beans

  • CulturalHand-pick wearing gloves· every 2 daysmoderate evidence — extension confidence

    Wear gloves (these beetles release a blistering fluid) and knock beetles into soapy water, or use row cover ahead of swarms; their larvae eat grasshopper eggs, so tolerate light feeding when you can.

    Source: UMN Extension; Missouri Botanical Garden

  • OrganicSpot-treat heavy swarms· every 1 wkmoderate evidence — extension confidence

    If a large swarm threatens a planting, a pyrethrin or other labeled insecticide can knock them back per the label; avoid spraying open blooms to protect pollinators.

    Always follow the product label — it is the law.

    Source: Missouri Botanical Garden

Cercospora leaf spot on beet and chard

Diseasemoderate

Symptoms: small round spots with tan-to-gray centers and reddish-purple borders; spots coalescing and turning gray; heavy spotting on outer leaves; foliage browning and dying back in warm humid weather

  • CulturalRotate, space out, and water at the basestrong evidence — extension confidence

    The fungus survives on debris and spreads by splashing water, so rotate beds, space plants for airflow, and water at the soil rather than overhead. Remove and discard heavily spotted outer leaves and clear crop residue after harvest.

    Source: UMass Extension; UMN Extension

  • OrganicApply a copper fungicide if spreading· every 10 daysmoderate evidence — extension confidence

    If spotting is severe and weather stays warm and humid, apply a labeled copper fungicide preventively per the label, before the disease takes over the planting.

    Always follow the product label — it is the law.

    Source: UMass Extension

Japanese beetles

Pestmoderate

Symptoms: leaves skeletonized between veins; lacy chewed foliage; metallic green-bronze beetles clustered on plants; feeding worst in warm midsummer sun

Potassium deficiency

Deficiencymoderate

Symptoms: yellowing and browning along older leaf margins; scorched curled leaf edges; weak stems; poor or uneven fruit ripening; symptoms starting on lower, older leaves

  • CulturalConfirm with a soil test firststrong evidence — extension confidence

    Edge scorch on older leaves has several causes, so get a soil test before adding potassium; over-applying can lock out magnesium and calcium.

    Source: UMN Extension; Missouri Botanical Garden

  • OrganicApply potassium per soil-test guidancemoderate evidence — extension confidence

    If the test confirms low potassium, apply a potassium source (such as sulfate of potash) at the labeled/test-recommended rate and keep watering even, since drought worsens uptake.

    Always follow the product label — it is the law.

    Source: UMN Extension

Read: diagnosing leaf spots & yellowing

Slugs & snails

Pestmoderate

Symptoms: large ragged holes with smooth edges; slimy silvery trails; damage worst after rain and overnight

  • CulturalTrap, hand-pick at night, reduce cover· every 2 days · ~3 wksstrong evidence — extension confidence

    Pick at night with a flashlight, set shallow beer traps, water in the morning so soil dries by dusk, and clear damp hiding spots.

    Source: UC IPM: Snails and Slugs

  • OrganicIron-phosphate bait - label use only· every 1 wk · ~3 wksmoderate evidence — extension confidence

    Scatter a labeled iron-phosphate slug bait sparingly per the label; it's pet- and wildlife-safer than metaldehyde.

    Always follow the product label — it is the law.

    Source: UC IPM

Wireworms

Pestmoderate

Unusual this time of year.

Symptoms: patchy poor germination; seedlings die in stretches; tunneled holes in potatoes and root crops; hard shiny orange-brown worms in soil; thinning stands after sod or grass

  • CulturalRotate away from grassy groundstrong evidence — extension confidence

    Avoid planting susceptible crops right after sod, pasture, or grass cover, where wireworms build up; rotate to a less-favored crop and let infested beds dry out between plantings.

    Source: UMass Extension: Wireworms; UC IPM: Wireworms

  • CulturalBait-trap to monitor· every 5 days · ~3 wksmoderate evidence — extension confidence

    Bury pieces of carrot or potato or a handful of soaked wheat seed as bait when soil reaches about 50F, check after several days, and remove the worms you find to gauge and reduce pressure.

    Source: UMass Extension: Wireworms

Aphids

Pestlow

Symptoms: clusters of tiny soft-bodied insects on new growth and undersides; sticky honeydew or sooty mold; curled distorted new leaves; ants tending them

  • CulturalBlast off with water· every 3 days · ~2 wksstrong evidence — extension confidence

    Knock colonies off with a strong jet of water in the morning; repeat every few days. Light infestations rarely need more.

    Source: UC IPM: Aphids

  • OrganicInsecticidal soap - label use only· every 1 wk · ~3 wksmoderate evidence — extension confidence

    For persistent colonies apply insecticidal soap to undersides per label. Avoid open flowers.

    Always follow the product label — it is the law.

    Source: UC IPM

Bolting (premature flowering)

Disorderlow

Symptoms: plant sends up a tall central flower stalk; leaves turn bitter; growth turns leggy; happens during heat and long days in lettuce, spinach, and brassicas

Leaf miners

Pestlow

Symptoms: winding pale tunnels inside the leaf; pale blotches between the upper and lower leaf surfaces; tunnels/blotches that can't be rubbed off because the larva is inside

  • CulturalPick mined leaves + row cover· every 5 days · ~3 wksmoderate evidence — extension confidence

    Remove and bag leaves with tunnels, and cover plants with insect netting to block the egg-laying flies. Damage is mostly cosmetic on leafy crops.

    Source: UMN Extension