Greens · Growing Guide

How to Grow Ruby Red Swiss Chard

A practical growing guide for Swiss Chard Seeds - Ruby Red, written for gardeners in California's Sierra foothills. Expect first harvest in around 55 days from sowing.

At a glance

Sun

Full sun to part shade

Soil

Loose, moisture-retentive, pH 6.0–6.8

Planting depth

1/4 inch

Spacing

6–12 in apart, rows 12 in

Days to germinate

5–10 days

Days to maturity

55 days

Watering

Consistent moisture. Greens bolt when stressed by heat or dryness.

When to plant

Direct sow in early spring (Feb–April) and again Aug–Sept for fall harvest. Avoid mid-summer in Amador's hot months.

Harvest

Pick outer leaves once 8 in tall. Plant produces all season.

Amador tip

One of the most heat-tolerant greens for Amador summers.

Why grow your own

Growing ruby red swiss chard from seed is one of the most rewarding ways to skip the pesticide-treated, ultra-shipped produce in conventional grocery stores. You control the soil, the water, and the timing, and at the end of the season you can save seed to plant again next year. That's how gardens used to work.

Our packets are naturally sourced, non-GMO, and hand-packed here in Amador County so they arrive ready to plant.

Sources & further reading

These growing recommendations are compiled from publicly available, university-extension and trusted horticultural references. Verify any guidance against your own local conditions.