Red Ruby Chard Seeds (Organic)

Red Ruby Chard (Beta vulgaris, Cicla group) is an heirloom chard with crimson stalks and veins set against dark green leaves, in use since 1857. Also called Rhubarb Chard, it is both ornamental and productive, with a mild, earthy flavor.

At a glance

• Botanical name: Beta vulgaris (Cicla group)
• Type: Organic heirloom chard, biennial grown as an annual
• Days to maturity: 50 to 60 days
• Sun: Partial sun to full sun
• Planting depth: 1/2 inch
• Spacing after thinning: 4 to 5 inches
• Height at maturity: 10 to 14 inches
• Approx. seeds per pack: 250 (about 8,763 per 1/4 lb bulk)

Best for

• Sauteing and steaming
• Fresh in salads as baby greens
• Ornamental color in beds and borders
• Spring and fall plantings
• Containers and raised beds

How to grow

Start seeds 1/2 inch deep indoors 1 to 2 weeks before the last frost at a soil temperature of 50 to 85°F, with germination in 5 to 10 days, then plant out after spring frosts to avoid bolting. Grow in moderate, well-amended soil with even water, thinning to 4 to 5 inches apart, and sow every 2 weeks for succession harvest. Harvest outer stalks early or cut the whole plant to let it regrow.

Flavor profile

Mild and earthy with a hint of sweetness; tender leaves cook down like spinach.

About Grow Organic

Grow Organic, the online home of Peaceful Valley Farm & Garden Supply, has served organic gardeners and small-scale farmers with seeds, tools, and soil amendments from Grass Valley, California since 1976.