Geranium_gem's Garden
Swiss Chard
Genus: Beta.
Species: Beta vulgaris.
2013
'Bright Lights', RHS AGM.
Also known as leaf beet.
Height: 50cm (20”). Spread: 40cm (16”).
Position: Sun or semi shade
Sow March - August. Sow seeds thinly, 1cm deep in drills 30cm apart. Thin seedlings to 23cm apart when large enough to handle, thinnings are suitable for using in salads. Harvest stems as required picking only a few from each plant.
Hardy biennnial.
Seeds from T&M:
"This exciting RHS AGM Swiss Chard, produces a rainbow of coloured stems that are crowned with large leaves of green or bronze. The flavour is deliciously mild and packed with nutritional content. Leaf Beet ‘Bright Lights’ can be harvested from mid-summer to late autumn, and after a normal winter, it will re-emerge to give an unbelievably early spring crop."
January-December use stems and leaves in stir-fries. Use thinnings as salad leaf. Use fleece to protect crop from frost or cold wind.
First sowing 6 Feb 2013.
