How To Grow Swiss Chard In Containers in 2023
- Author: Saiqa Najeeb
- Last Updated On: July 19, 2023
Are you yearning to cultivate vibrant Swiss chard right within the limited confines of your home or apartment? Swiss chard, with its colorful leaves and nutrient-packed profile (vitamin K, vitamin A, magnesium) is an excellent addition to any urban garden.
Luckily, growing this versatile green in containers is not only feasible but also surprisingly rewarding. In this comprehensive guide, we will unveil the secrets to successfully growing Swiss chard in containers in 2023.
From selecting the right container to providing optimal growing conditions, planting, and caring for your plants, we’ve got you covered.
Get ready to discover how to grow Swiss chard in containers.
About Swiss Chard
Swiss chard is a cool-season vegetable that favors sunny areas and healthy, well-drained soil. Sow seeds 1 to 2 inches deep. Plant chard seedlings thinly or spaced 12 inches apart. The best Swiss chard is produced by plants that mature quickly and before the summer heat. For healthy growth, irrigation needs to be consistent and routine. All year long, control insects and illnesses. When the Swiss chard leaves are fully developed, harvest them. These cultivars thrive in moist, rich, well-drained soil and conditions that range from full sun to partial shade. Despite the fact that they continue to produce leaves throughout the summer, they grow at their fastest rate in the cool spring and autumn months.
Recommended varieties
There are numerous leaf colors available for Swiss chard. Salads and meals become more intriguing when a variety of plants are grown. There are a lot of high-quality types available for purchase online and at local gardening stores. Rhubarb, Bright Lights, Lucullus, and Fordhook Giant are suitable varieties.
Growing Conditions
Light: Full sun (direct sunlight of 6 or more hours a day), Partial Shade (Direct sunlight for only 2-6 hours)
Soil Texture: Rich in Organic Matter
Soil pH: 6.0-8.0
Soil Drainage: Moist, well-drained soils
Required Planting Space: Less than 12 inches
USDA Plant Hardiness Zone: 2a, 3a, 4a, 5a, 6a, 7a, 8a, 9a, 10a, 11a, 2b, 3b, 4b, 5b, 6b, 7b, 8b, 9b, 10b, 11b
How to grow Swiss chard in containers
1
Preparing Container
The container you choose doesn’t need to be too deep because Swiss chard doesn’t have deep roots. Eight inches ought to be adequate. Make sure the container is at least 12 inches wide because you don’t want it to topple over or encircle the shallow roots. Per plant, a five-gallon container works best. You can grow two plants in a five-gallon container if you don’t mind the smaller leaves and stems.
The size is more crucial than the material you choose. If you choose terra cotta, you’ll need to water it more carefully because it dries out slightly more quickly than cement or plastic.
With cement and clay being heavier materials, plastic is typically the least heavy choice.
1
Soil Preparation
For optimum growth, Swiss chard requires fertile, well-drained soils that are rich in organic content. Both seeds and transplants can be used to grow Swiss chard. After the soil reaches 40°F, Swiss chard can be planted. It takes 7–14 days for seeds to sprout and they thrive best between 55–75°F. Over 80°F reduces the germination of seeds.
Plant seeds between one and two inches deep. When plants have 3–4 genuine leaves, thin stands. If any roots are kept, plants destroyed during thinning might be transplanted into nearby regions or eaten. An earlier harvest is made possible by the use of transplants. Before being planted outdoors, transplants need to grow 4-6 mature leaves and a strong root system. Transplants need about 5 to 6 weeks to reach this size.
2
Planting and Spacing
The ideal temperature for Swiss chard growth is no higher than 75°F. Even at 32°F, immature plants are not significantly harmed. In the growing area, transplants should be planted close to the last date of frost-free weather. Swiss chard seeds can be sown three to four weeks sooner. High summer temperatures can have a negative impact on quality, growth, and flavor development. Choose cultivars that mature quickly for fall Swiss chard, and plant them 50 to 75 days before the expected maturity date. A few weeks or so before the first autumn frost is when the plant should mature. After slight frosts, plants can be left in the garden.
3
Watering and fertilization
Regularly provide 1-2 inches of water per week to the chard. Temperature and soil type both affect how much water is needed. Mulch surrounding the plant aids in retaining moisture in the soil and inhibits weed growth. Variations in moisture will result in toughened leaves, slowed leaf growth, and unpleasant flavours.
Apply a nitrogen-based fertilizer (21-0-0) four weeks after transplanting or thinning to promote brisk plant development. Place the fertilizer next to the plants, then irrigate the soil to incorporate it.
4
Managing Pests and diseases
Aphids: Aphids are soft-bodied, green, or black insects that feed on the underside of leaves. The leaves wrinkle and curl. To get rid of insects, use insecticidal soaps, the proper insecticides, or a strong water stream.
Slugs: Mollusks with soft bodies or shells that gnaw holes in leaves. Use the right pesticides or traps to control. Avoid slug-friendly damp soil conditions.
Flea beetles: These tiny, black beetles eat young plants. Adults gnaw little holes in leaves and cotyledons. Beetles may destroy seedlings or diminish plant standing. Use the proper insecticides at seeding or after seedlings have sprouted from the soil to control beetles. Utilize a floating row cover to keep pests away from the plants.
5
Harvest And Storage
When the leaves have fully developed or at any point, after they have formed, Swiss chard can be harvested. Young leaves can continue to grow since older leaves are frequently removed from plants first. All leaves can be removed, as long as the growth point remains intact, up to two inches from the ground. If kept chilled, Swiss chard can be kept for one to two weeks.
Let’s Plant Swiss Chard Now!
Reached the end of our guide! Armed with all the essential knowledge about how to grow swiss chard in containers, you’re now ready to start your journey of growing Swiss chard in containers. The satisfaction of nurturing your own plants and relishing the flavorsome rewards is truly matchless. Every step, from selecting the perfect container to harvesting your vibrant Swiss chard leaves, will be worth the effort.
So go ahead, start planting, and get ready to enjoy an abundance of fresh Swiss chard, right from the convenience of your indoor space. Happy growing!
