RAINBOW CHARD
A rainbow of bright pastel colours on the stems. Rich in Vitamin A, C and K, also full of protein, dietary fibre and antioxidants. rainbow chard has the intense mineral edge of Swiss chard, the earthy sweetness of red chard, and the wonderfully mild nutty flavour of golden chard.
Grow your own
Taste – Rainbow chard has the intense mineral edge of Swiss chard, the earthy sweetness of red chard, and the wonderfully mild nutty flavour of golden chard.
Difficulty – Easy
Sow – March-September
Harvest – May-November
Seed Packet Weight - 8g
Complimentary ingredients include citrus, garlic, tomatoes, rice dishes, cream cheeses and herbs such as basil and rocket.
Sow
Chard needs an open sunny site in rich, moisture-retentive free-draining soil, although it can tolerate some shade in summer.
Add organic matter the autumn or winter prior to sowing if necessary. Add 70g per sq m (2½oz per sq yard) of Growmore or other general fertiliser.
Sow thinly 2.5cm (1in) deep, 10cm (4in) apart in rows 45cm (18in) apart, from March to July. Two sowings - one in April and the second in July – are usually sufficient. The July sowing provides leaves the following spring when growth resumes.
Alternatively, sow in modules or trays and transplant when large enough to handle.
Sow every two weeks to produce mini-leaves.
Sow in broad drills as ‘cut and come again’ crops from April to August.
Grow
Thin seedlings to 30cm (1ft) apart, or every 5cm (2in) for mini-leaves.
Water before the onset of drought; mulch when the soil is warm and moist.
Cover plants for overwintering in October with cloches or protect the crown with straw or similar material, then cover with fleece.