When to plant swiss chard 🥬
Swiss Chard takes 50–60 days to mature, spaced 12" apart at 0.5" deep. Start indoors and transplant for the longest harvest.
Planting dates by USDA zone
| Zone | Start indoors | Direct sow | Transplant | Harvest |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Zone 3 | April 27 – May 11 | May 11 – June 22 | May 18 – June 8 | July 13 – July 27 |
| Zone 4 | April 17 – May 1 | May 1 – June 12 | May 8 – May 29 | July 3 – July 17 |
| Zone 5 | April 3 – April 17 | April 17 – May 29 | April 24 – May 15 | June 19 – July 3 |
| Zone 6 | March 18 – April 1 | April 1 – May 13 | April 8 – April 29 | June 3 – June 17 |
| Zone 7 | March 4 – March 18 | March 18 – April 29 | March 25 – April 15 | May 20 – June 3 |
| Zone 8 | February 16 – March 1 | March 1 – April 12 | March 8 – March 29 | May 3 – May 17 |
| Zone 9 | January 18 – February 1 | February 1 – March 14 | February 8 – February 29 | April 4 – April 18 |
| Zone 10 | January 2 – January 16 | January 16 – February 27 | January 23 – February 13 | March 19 – April 2 |
Dates are averages — adjust ±1–2 weeks for your microclimate. Need your exact dates? Enter your zip code below.
Get your personalized swiss chard planting dates
Care tips
- Cut-and-come-again — harvest outer leaves all season.
- Tolerates heat better than spinach.
- Over-winters in mild zones for spring greens.
Good companions
Bean, Cabbage, Onion.
Read more: Companion planting chart for vegetables
Track your swiss chard harvest with BotaNotes
Log planting dates, get AI-powered care reminders, and journal every harvest. Free 15-day trial.
Frequently asked questions
When should I start swiss chard seeds indoors in zone 5?▾
In USDA zone 5, start swiss chard seeds indoors between April 3 and April 17 — that's 2–4 weeks before the average last frost (May 1).
When should I start swiss chard seeds indoors in zone 6?▾
In USDA zone 6, start swiss chard seeds indoors between March 18 and April 1 — that's 2–4 weeks before the average last frost (April 15).
When should I start swiss chard seeds indoors in zone 7?▾
In USDA zone 7, start swiss chard seeds indoors between March 4 and March 18 — that's 2–4 weeks before the average last frost (April 1).
When should I start swiss chard seeds indoors in zone 8?▾
In USDA zone 8, start swiss chard seeds indoors between February 16 and March 1 — that's 2–4 weeks before the average last frost (March 15).
When can I transplant swiss chard seedlings outdoors?▾
Transplant swiss chard seedlings about -1–2 weeks after your average last spring frost. In zone 6 that's around April 8–April 29.
How long does swiss chard take to grow?▾
Swiss Chard typically takes 50–60 days to mature, with harvest beginning roughly 7–9 weeks after the last spring frost.