All about SWISS CHARD

How did you like All About KALE?  Many of you gardeners have your gardens already put to bed.  If you're in a warmer climate, you might be able to grow year round.  Swiss Chard is an excellent addition to any garden and grows well in warmer and cooler conditions.

I love growing SWISS CHARD in my garden.  Chard is one of the easiest and fastest growing greens in my garden and even grows well in containers!

From WHF, "Chard is a tall leafy green vegetable commonly referred to as Swiss chard and scientifically known as Beta vulgaris. Chard belongs to the same family as beets and spinach and shares a similar taste profile with a flavor that is bitter, pungent, and slightly salty. Swiss chard is truly one of the vegetable valedictorians with its exceptionally impressive list of health-promoting nutrients. Although Swiss chard is available throughout the year, its peak season runs from June through August when it is at its best and in the greatest abundance at your local supermarket" 

Also from WHF,
"As a rule, the phytonutrient antioxidants in chard also act as anti-inflammatory agents. Sometimes they lower risk of chronic, unwanted inflammation by altering the activity of pro-inflammatory enzymes"

"With its very good supply of calcium and its excellent supply of magnesium and vitamin K, chard provides standout bone support."

"Multiple studies on animals have shown that chard has unique benefits for blood sugar regulation. In addition, chard may provide special benefits in the diets of individuals diagnosed with diabetes"

"Also unique among the health benefits from this chenopod vegetable has been its ability to help pancreatic cells regenerate."

At Mary's Heirloom Seeds we offer several varieties of Swiss Chard.

5 COLOR SWISS CHARD aka RAINBOW CHARD

 50-60 days. (Beta vulgaris) This chard originated in Australia. A beautiful chard; its colors are brilliant 
(pink, yellow, orange, red and white).  Very mild ornamental. Pretty enough to plant in the flower garden;  so delicious!

FORDHOOK GIANT SWISS CHARD

60 days. Succulent celery-like stalks support large, dark green, very savoyed, fleshy leaves.
Trim outer leaves or cut the entire head.  Great for salads, casseroles or sauteed.


ORIOLE ORANGE SWISS CHARD

 60 days. Named after the beautiful golden Oriole bird, this is a lovely orange chard that will add fantastic color your garden.
Use the young leaves in salads or the mature leaves stir fried or as steamed greens.
This chard is heat and cold tolerance and has a sweet mild taste.

 

 

RUBY RED SWISS CHARD

 60 days. An outstanding chard that has magnificent red stems that extend into bright green leaves forming one of nature's amazing works of art.
This tasty, low in oxalic acid heirloom chard will add color to any dish.  Grows 18-24" tall.  Yields all summer and into the fall.

VULCAN SWISS CHARD

60 days.  Very attractive and uniform red chard. A wonderful, prolific and hardy variety, this chard has great flavor and is perfect for marketing.  Trim outer leaves or cut the entire head.  Great for salads, casseroles or sauteed.

For growing information, read my article Growing Salad Greens from Seed

Thanks for stopping by my little spot on the web...Stay tuned for more organic gardening and health related topics.  If you have questions or suggestions please feel free to ask. 

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