Pink Swiss Chard – MIg

Description

Pink Swiss Chard is a colorful heirloom variety prized for its vibrant pink to magenta stems and veins contrasted against dark green, tender leaves. Both the leaves and stems are edible, with a mild, slightly earthy flavor and crisp texture. The young leaves are excellent in salads, while mature leaves and stems can be sautéed, steamed, added to soups, or used in a variety of cooked dishes. This productive, easy-to-grow crop performs particularly well during the UAE’s cooler growing season.

When to Plant in the UAE

• Outdoors: Direct sow seeds or transplant seedlings from early October through February.

Planting & Care Tips

• Light & Soil: Grow in full sun to partial shade in fertile, well-draining soil enriched with compost.
• Depth & Germination: Sow seeds 1–2 cm deep. Germination typically occurs within 5–10 days.
• Spacing: Space plants 20–30 cm apart, with 30–45 cm between rows.
• Watering: Keep the soil consistently moist, especially during active leaf growth, while avoiding waterlogged conditions.
• Feeding: Apply compost before planting and feed with a balanced fertilizer every 3–4 weeks to encourage continuous leaf production.
• Harvest: Baby leaves can be harvested approximately 30–40 days after sowing, while mature leaves are typically ready in 50–65 days.
• Harvesting Tips: Harvest the outer leaves first, cutting them close to the base while leaving the central growing point intact. Regular harvesting encourages the plant to produce fresh leaves throughout the season.