Rainbow Swiss Chard

Beta vulgaris subsp. cocia   

Approximately 70 seeds per pack.

Germination ~ 91% Oct 2024 Packed for 2025

Origins and History

Rainbow Chard is a modern heirloom blend of Swiss chard varieties that traces its lineage back to the Mediterranean, where chard has been cultivated since ancient times. While chard itself was prized by the Greeks and Romans for both its flavor and medicinal properties, the colorful Rainbow Chard mix was developed by combining traditional varieties with stems of red, golden, pink, and white. This vibrant selection gained popularity in the late 20th century among seed savers and gardeners who sought both ornamental appeal and culinary versatility, and it has since become a staple in heirloom and organic gardening circles.

Appearance and Characteristics

Rainbow Chard is renowned for its striking, jewel-toned stems in shades of crimson, orange, yellow, pink, and white, which contrast beautifully with its broad, crinkled dark green leaves. The plants are upright, growing 18–24 inches tall, with leaves that can be harvested young for tender greens or mature for robust, full-flavored cooking leaves. Chard is closely related to beets, but instead of a swollen root, it produces nutrient-rich leafy tops and thick, flavorful midribs.

Culinary Uses

Rainbow Chard offers both beauty and taste in the kitchen. The leaves have a mild, earthy flavor with a hint of beet-like sweetness, while the stems are crisp and slightly nutty. Young leaves can be used fresh in salads, while mature leaves are excellent for sautéing, steaming, or braising. The colorful stems can be diced and cooked like celery, or incorporated into soups, stews, and gratins. In Mediterranean, Caribbean, and Middle Eastern cuisines, chard is often used in savory pies, rice dishes, and stews, making it a highly versatile heirloom green.

Growing Tips

Rainbow Chard thrives in USDA vegetation zones 3–10 and is highly tolerant of both cool and warm conditions, making it a long-season crop. It prefers full sun but will tolerate partial shade, especially in hot climates. Sow seeds directly into the garden after the danger of frost has passed, at a depth of ½ inch, spacing plants 12–18 inches apart. For continuous harvest, successive sowings every 2–3 weeks are recommended. Chard grows best in rich, well-drained soil with consistent moisture, and mulching helps retain soil moisture and suppress weeds.

Harvesting Guidance

Rainbow Chard is a cut-and-come-again crop, allowing for multiple harvests from a single planting. Baby leaves can be harvested as early as 25–30 days after sowing, while mature leaves are ready in 50–60 days. Harvest by cutting the outer leaves 1–2 inches above the crown, allowing the inner leaves to continue growing. Regular harvesting encourages new leaf production, and plants can yield from spring through fall—or even overwinter in mild climates. To extend freshness, store harvested chard unwashed in a damp cloth or plastic bag in the refrigerator, where it will keep for up to a week.