Firebird Swiss Chard (F1 Hybrid 60 Days)

Commanding in color, this is not a typical Swiss chard. Firebird Swiss Chard has glossy, wine-red leaves and stems making this stand out amongst all the others. Tends to grow a bit slower, but the striking color stays the entire season. Baby leaves make a vibrant salad green. We even added the leaves to flower bouquets along with some of our kale, too. 

75 seeds

PLANTING

Beta vulgaris

Germination: 5-10 days

Germination Temperature: Optimum soil temperatures 70-85ºF.

Seed Sowing Depth: 1/2” deep

Starting Indoors: 4-6 weeks before the last frost. Sow 2-3 seeds per cell/pot. Thin to the strongest seedling. Fertilize the seedlings every 7-10 days with a liquid or water-soluble fertilizer, diluted to ¼ of the suggested measurement. Start transplanting a week or two before the last frost. Space 10-18" apart.  

Sowing Outdoors: Mid-spring into early summer. Starting when the soil temperature reaches at least 50ºF. Germination is slower in cooler slow temperatures. Sow 3-4 seeds every 10-18” apart. Thin to the strongest seedling per space. Sow 40-50 days before the first fall frost for a late summer/fall harvest.

How much does a packet plant: 10-15 foot single row 

Harvest: Remove outer leaves starting at 4-6” for baby salad greens. Use the mature leaves and center ribs cooked or raw.

Tips: Swiss Chard needs fertile, well-drained soil. Tolerates both cold and hot temperatures and can grow from spring until frost. Sow a few times a summer for continuous greens.