Chard used to be found in almost every vegetable garden. However, over time it was replaced by young sugar beet leaves, i.e. the popular Swiss chard. Despite this, they are still worth planting, especially since they please the eye first and then the taste buds. What is its cultivation like?
What does chard look like? It can have different colors
Swiss chard, also called spinach beetroot, leaf beetroot or even Roman cabbage, is an unusual plant that looks somewhat similar to the popular beetroot. As it grows, its stems, i.e. leaf petioles, take on beautiful colors, from pink, purple, through white, to yellow. You can’t forget about the large, lush green leaves, which, depending on the variety, may also be yellowish or even burgundy. All this makes it extremely decorative and will be an interesting variety in flower beds. It will surely attract many attention.
What is the difference between Swiss chard and Swiss chard? Appearance is not everything
The color of chard depends on its variety. However, this is not the end, because it also depends on whether it will have larger leaves or stems, which we will then eat either like spinach or asparagus. However, the root is not eaten. The most common varieties are:
- Bright Light with light green leaves that additionally turn red. The stems, in turn, can be orange, yellow, white or even purple.
- Lucullus with very fleshy, wrinkled and quite large leaves and white-green petioles.
- Silverwhich have smooth and juicy green leaves,
- Vulcan with thick, dark red petioles and dark green leaves.
Remember that chard is not only pretty and tasty, but also healthy. From chard It is distinguished not only by its appearance, but also by its properties. You will find B vitamins in it, as well as vitamin C, K and A. It is also full of folic acid and proteins, which are not only well absorbed, but are almost twice as abundant as in beetroot root.
Swiss chard, illustration photo Swiss chard, illustration photo. Photo commons.wikimedia.org / Rasbak / GNU Free Documentation License / cropped
Where to sow chard? The most important thing is the right place
Growing chard is not particularly complicated, although of course you should remember a few basic rules that will make it grow lush and beautiful. As for , it can cope with almost anything, except extremely wet, extremely dry and heavy ones. The position must be sunny and, unlike most plants, also airy. This way you will protect it from pest attacks. Don’t count on the fact that if you sow it in the shade, it will grow.
How to care for chard? It doesn’t require much work
Swiss chard does not require difficult care treatments or many hours spent in the oven. The most important is regular watering so that the substrate is constantly slightly moist, and weeding. It’s a good idea too mulching, which will additionally protect the plant and minimize the appearance of weeds. Interestingly, Swiss chard does not require fertilization, although it is worth knowing that a bit of good quality manure will have a really good effect on it. Also remember that the plant easily tolerates both heat and light frosts. On hot days, water it in the morning, when the temperature is not yet unbearable.
How to sow chard? For seedlings or in the ground
Also, sowing and planting chard is not a major problem and even a novice gardener can handle it. You can grow it both from seedlings and from sowing directly into the ground. If you choose the first option, the seeds should be sown in February. Use individual pots for this purpose, which should be kept on the windowsill. After about 40 days, transplant it into the ground in the garden, preferably in the place where the potato previously grew. As for sowing straight into the ground, do it in mid-April. After about two months, you will start harvesting your first crops.
Source: Gazeta
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