Tender Chard
Special Baby Leaf
EXCLUSIVE – Our crispy, nutty-flavored Baby Leaf chard is the fastest growing and best tasting, whether you use it in salads or steam, stirfry or braise its handsome green leaves. Easily grown by the “cut and come again” method, seeds are sown thickly, then cut as needed at 4-5 inches tall, leaving crowns to regrow for multiple additional harvests. With its tender texture and milder flavor, baby leaf chard makes wonderful garden- fresh salads.
BEST TO START DIRECTLY OUTDOORS
Beginning in early spring, sow seeds in finely worked soil in full sun. Shake seeds loosely from your hand, broadcasting about 1 inch apart over the entire seedbed or in wide rows, and cover lightly and evenly with 1/4 to 1/2 inch of fine soil. Firm soil gently and water in with a fine spray, then keep seedbed evenly moist. For a constant supply, makes successive sowings every three weeks until summer weather turns really hot. Plant again in late summer for fall harvesting.
GROWING NOTES
For best flavor, baby leaf chard needs consistent moisture and mild weather. Birds love tender young seedlings,so protect them as necessary with netting or floating row covers. This attractive edible will also grow well in pots at least 18 to 20 in. across to snip as needed for salads or stirfry.
HARVEST AND USE
To harvest by the “cut and come again” method: when plants are 4 to 5 in. tall, cut as much as you need, by using scissors to shear off leaves 1 to 2 in. above the soil level. Water well and fertilize lightly and plants will regrow for several more cuttings. These tender, crisp and juicy baby leaves are delicious in fresh salads. Or stirfry, braise or sauté very quickly for healthy, tasty greens.
Cold Winters |
Mild Winters |
Sun/Shade |
Sow Seeds |
Days To Germinate |
Days To Harvest |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
May – June
|
Apr – Sept
|
Full SunCover Lightly
|
Broadcast
|
7 – 10 days
|
30 – 35 days
|
Cold Winters |
Mild Winters |
Sun/Shade |
Sow Seeds |
Days To Germinate |
Days To Harvest |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
May – June
|
Apr – Sept
|
Full SunCover Lightly
|
Broadcast
|
7 – 10 days
|
30 – 35 days
|
Cold Winters
May – June
|
Mild Winters
Apr – Sept
|
Sun/Shade
Full SunCover Lightly
|
Sow Seeds
Broadcast
|
Days To Germinate
7 – 10 days
|
Days To Harvest
30 – 35 days
|