Rainbow Chard
Beta vulgaris subsp. vulgaris
Family: Amaranthaceae
Rainbow chard is a stunning mix of chard varieties featuring stems in vibrant shades of red, orange, yellow, pink, and white. Both ornamental and edible, it provides a colorful harvest throughout the growing season with the same nutritious leaves as standard chard.
Days to Harvest
50-60 days
Sun Needs
Full Sun to Partial Shade (4-6 hours)
moderate
Germination Temp
75°F optimal
Start Indoors
4 weeks before last frost
Germination
5-14 days
Seed Depth
1/2 to 1 inch
Light to Germinate
No
💡 Tip: Each "seed" is actually a cluster—thin to strongest seedling. Soak seeds overnight to speed germination.
Soil Type
Rich, well-draining soil with good organic matter
pH Range
6 - 7
Spacing
12-18 inches between plants, 18-24 inches between rows
⚠️ Avoid planting near:
History
While individual colored chards have been grown for centuries, rainbow chard mixes became popular in the 1990s. Breeders selected the brightest-colored varieties to create mixes like "Bright Lights" that showcase the full spectrum of chard colors.
Nutritional Benefits
- âś“Extremely high in Vitamin K
- âś“Excellent source of Vitamins A and C
- âś“Different colors contain different antioxidants
Optimal Growing Temp
50°F - 75°F
Rainbow chard is remarkably temperature-tolerant, thriving in 50-75°F but handling both light frost and summer heat. One of the most adaptable greens for year-round growing.
Survival Range
25°F - 95°F
Can survive these temperatures
Frost Note: Tolerates light frost (25-32°F). Established plants can survive into the low 20s. Fall frost often intensifies stem colors. Protect young plants from hard freeze.
Best USDA Zones
Humidity
40-70%
Adaptable to various humidity levels. Good air circulation prevents fungal issues on dense leaf growth.
Height
18-24 inches
Spread
12-18 inches
Growth Habit
upright
Germination
5-14 days
Multi-germ seed clusters produce multiple seedlings. Soaking speeds germination.
Seedling Stage
Duration: 3-4 weeks
True leaves: Thin to single strongest plant.
Transplant ready: Stem colors begin developing early. Ready when 3-4 inches tall.
Vegetative Growth
Duration: 4-6 weeks
Rapid leaf and colorful stem production. Begin harvesting outer stalks at 8-10 inches.
Harvest Maturity
Timing: 50-60 days from seed
- Full-sized plant with multi-colored stems
- Continues producing for months with regular harvest
Per Plant
2-4 lbs of stems and leaves over season
Per Square Foot
1-2 lbs at 12-inch spacing
Harvest Frequency
Harvest outer stalks every 1-2 weeks
Factors Affecting Yield
- •Extended harvest window
- •Regular picking promotes growth
- •Temperature tolerance
- •Soil fertility
Seedling Stage
Keep consistently moist during establishment
Established Plants
Deep watering every 4-7 days, 1-1.5 inches per week
Preferred Method
Water deeply at soil level. Soaker hose or drip irrigation keeps colorful stems clean.
⚠️ Critical Watering Periods
- • Seedling establishment
- • Hot summer weather
- • Active growth periods
Pro Tips
- Deep roots provide good drought tolerance once established
- Consistent moisture produces tender stems with best color
- Mulch to retain moisture and maintain even temperatures
- Water needs increase during hot weather
Feeding Schedule
Organic Options
Top-dress with compost monthly. Apply liquid feed every 3-4 weeks during active growth.
Minimum Size
10 inch pot minimum
Recommended Size
14-16 inch pot for full-sized plant
Depth Required
12 inches minimum for taproot
Best Varieties for Containers
Container Tips
- Stunning ornamental container plant with multicolored stems
- Deep containers accommodate taproot for best production
- Use as centerpiece in mixed edible containers
- Water more frequently than ground-planted chard
- Fertilize monthly for continuous colorful production
Why Prune
When
Begin harvesting when outer stalks reach 8-10 inches with developed color
How Often
Every 1-2 weeks throughout growing season
Technique
Cut outer stalks at base, leaving inner stalks to continue growing. Take entire stalk with stem.
Remove
- âś— Outer mature stalks
- âś— Any damaged or yellowed leaves
- âś— Flower stalks if bolting
Keep
- âś“ Growing center
- âś“ Young inner stalks
- âś“ At least 5-6 inner leaves
