The germination was low for me this year. I planted early and late, but I only have one plant from about 25 or so seeds. That one plant that took off did so after I started watering, and is just now getting big enough to cut. I harvested three leaves and they were very tender, sweet and smooth with barely any midrib. Better than regular old chard.
I think it was too dry and cold this year, for good germination. I feel if I watered early and often, it would have been a better test and would probably grown great. I have a few seeds more and will plant them later. This spring and month has been unusually dry and cold. Peas and even the asparagus were poor as well because it was too so dry and cold in my area.