Swiss chard (Beta vulgaris subsp. vulgaris) or just “chard,” is a vegetable grown for its leafy greens. The plant is one of several cultivars of the beet. The leaf blades are generally red, green, yellow, orange or a combination. Varieties are often mixed together – leading to the “rainbow” chard moniker.
Some varieties have large leaf stalks and others much smaller ones. Using the larger leaf stalk types for cooking or for fresh eating involves separating the leaf blades from the stalk. The stalk and blade is prepared separately. The entire leaf is used at once with those cultivars that have smaller stalks.
Chard has been used in culinary applications for hundreds of years and has picked up many common names including beet spinach, seakale beet, silver beet, leaf beet, and perpetual spinach. The plant’s leaves are highly nutritious which makes its ideal for those following healthy diets.
Looking to add chard to your veggie patch? Use our growing, care, and harvesting guides down below to get started. Happy gardening!
Chard makes a nutritious and colorful addition to your vegetable patch. This leafy green is easy to grow and there are lots of varieties to choose from. With different flavors, textures, and colors you’re sure to find a variety perfect for your garden. Learn more about the different types of chard with our 9 top picks.
Are you interested in expanding your repertoire of leafy green vegetables in the garden? Then colorful Swiss chard is for you. Cold and heart tolerant, it produces multiple harvests per season, and can be eaten cooked and raw in a variety of dishes. Learn how to cultivate it in your garden, here on Gardener’s Path.