Swiss chard Beta vulgaris subsp. vulgaris (Cicla)
Swiss chard (Beta vulgaris subsp. vulgaris (Cicla)) is a biennial vegetable in the Amaranthaceae family. It grows 40–60 cm (16–24 in) tall and 30–45 cm (12–18 in) wide, wants part sun to part shade and moderate water, and is hardy to about -4 °C (25 °F). Space plants about 30 cm (12 in) apart.
Plan Swiss chard in your garden →
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Swiss chard at a glance
| Type | Biennial vegetable |
|---|---|
| Family | Amaranthaceae |
| Mature height | 40–60 cm (16–24 in) |
| Mature spread | 30–45 cm (12–18 in) |
| Spacing | 30 cm (12 in) centre to centre |
| Sun | Part sun to part shade, at least 5 h of direct sun a day |
| Water | Moderate; drought tolerance low, waterlogging tolerance none |
| Cold hardiness | About -4 °C (25 °F) once established (roughly USDA zone 9) |
| Heat stress | Likely above about 30 °C (86 °F) |
| Flowering | about 52–60 weeks after planting, for 3–5 weeks |
| Days to maturity | About 60 days from planting |
| Wind tolerance | Low |
| Pollinator value | None |
| Edible | Yes: leaves, stalks |
| Common in gardens of | 🇺🇸 United States, 🇬🇧 United Kingdom, 🇫🇷 France, 🇩🇪 Germany, 🇦🇺 Australia, 🇿🇦 South Africa |
Is Swiss chard toxic?
- People: not known to be toxic
- Cats: not known to be toxic
- Dogs: not known to be toxic
Chard is non-toxic to people and pets, though high in oxalates.
If a child or pet may have eaten part of a plant, call a poison centre or vet straight away.
Companion planting: what to grow with Swiss chard
No well-documented helpful pairing. Group it with plants that like part sun to part shade and moderate water.
Questions about Swiss chard
- How far apart should I plant Swiss chard?
- About 30 cm (12 in) apart, centre to centre. A mature plant spreads 30–45 cm (12–18 in).
- Does Swiss chard need full sun?
- Part sun to part shade: at least 5 hours of direct sun a day.
- How much water does Swiss chard need?
- Moderate water. Drought tolerance is low and waterlogging tolerance none.
- How cold-hardy is Swiss chard?
- It tolerates about -4 °C (25 °F) once established, roughly USDA zone 9. As a biennial it is usually planted out after the last frost and flowers in its second year.
- When does Swiss chard flower?
- About 52–60 weeks after planting, for 3–5 weeks.
- Is Swiss chard poisonous to cats and dogs?
- For cats it is not known to be toxic; for dogs not known to be toxic; for people not known to be toxic. Chard is non-toxic to people and pets, though high in oxalates.
- What grows well with Swiss chard?
- There is no well-documented companion pairing for Swiss chard. Group it with plants that like the same sun (part sun to part shade) and water (moderate).
Sources and evidence
Evidence grade C (C: plausible, mixed evidence).
- ASPCA Toxic and Non-Toxic Plant List, ASPCA
- FAO Irrigation and Drainage Paper 56 — Crop Evapotranspiration, FAO
- RHS Plant Finder, Royal Horticultural Society
- University extension gardening guides (general), Various land-grant university extensions
Notes and assumptions
- Typical garden-cultivar values; varieties differ.
- Stalk colour varies by cultivar.
Reference values for planning, not horticultural, veterinary or medical advice. Varieties, soils and local climates differ: check with a local nursery or extension service.
Related plants
- Spinach Spinacia oleracea
- Beetroot Beta vulgaris subsp. vulgaris
- Amaranth (leaf, callaloo) Amaranthus tricolor
- Quinoa Chenopodium quinoa
- Love-lies-bleeding (kiwicha) Amaranthus caudatus
- Epazote Dysphania ambrosioides
- Celosia (cockscomb) Celosia argentea
- Globe amaranth Gomphrena globosa