How to Grow….. Swiss Chard
BASIC REQUIREMENTS
Plant name :
Chard - Beta Vulgaris
Situation :
Full sun. If temperatures are going to exceed 26°C then shading is recommended.
Size ( h x w ):
30 - 60cm x 30 - 40cm
Spacing between plants :
30cm
Temperature requirements :
Optimum: 16 - 24°C
pH :
6.0 - 7.5
Germination time :
From seed, expect germination in 4 - 5 days, with temperatures around 25 - 30°C
Aquaponic method :
Nutrient Film Technique (NFT), Deep Water Culture (DWC), Media beds.
HOW TO GROW
Growing in Aquaponic systems :
Being easy to grow, Swiss Chard is extremely well suited to growing in an Aquaponics System, and as an additional plus, it is fairly bolt-resistant, making it a better choice than plants such as kale, for example. Nutrient uptake is reasonably moderate, using mainly nitrates for the leaf growth. Potassium and phosphorous requirements are low. Its high nutrient content, and fast growth rate, make it extremely popular in aquaponics.
Growing Conditions :
Swiss chard is traditionally a late-winter/spring crop, and only needs temperatures of 5°C for growth. That said, if you live in an area where the summer temperatures are reasonably mild, you can grow Swiss Chard in full sun. Grow indoors, or under a shading net if temperatures regularly surpass 25°C.
Growing Instructions :
Swiss chard comes in various colours, ranging through white, lime green, red and yellow. Sow Swiss chard seeds at any time between March and Autumn, remembering to cover later sown seeds to speed up germination. Thin out the seedlings once they are 2 - 3cm tall, and leave 30cm between plants. Thats all you need to do. Really easy.
Harvesting :
12 weeks after sowing Swiss Chard can be harvested by using a sharp knife to cut the external leaves, taking care not to damage the centre of the plant where the new growth comes from.
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
Pruning :
N/A
Pests :
Butterflies, Moths and Leaf miner. Covering with fleece or mesh when the plants are young will help with pest prevention.
Diseases :
No real issues.
IF YOU
HAVE ANY ADDITIONAL INFORMATION ABOUT THIS PLANT, PLEASE LEAVE A COMMENT BELOW. THANK YOU.
