Ruby Chard
Beta vulgaris subsp. vulgaris
Family: Amaranthaceae
Ruby chard features striking deep crimson stems with dark green leaves veined in red. One of the most beautiful vegetables you can grow, it's as ornamental as it is nutritious. The flavor is similar to standard chard with a slightly more earthy taste.
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: Soak seeds overnight. Thin to strongest seedling from each cluster.
Soil Type
Rich, well-draining soil with organic matter
pH Range
6 - 7
Spacing
12-18 inches between plants, 18-24 inches between rows
⚠️ Avoid planting near:
History
Red-stemmed chards have been cultivated for centuries, with the ruby variety becoming particularly popular in ornamental vegetable gardens. It was selected for its deep, consistent red coloring that holds up through the growing season.
Nutritional Benefits
- ✓Extremely high in Vitamin K
- ✓Excellent source of Vitamins A and C
- ✓Contains betalains (red antioxidants)
Optimal Growing Temp
50°F - 75°F
Ruby chard thrives in moderate temperatures (50-75°F) but tolerates wide range. Handles both frost and summer heat. Best red color develops in cooler conditions.
Survival Range
25°F - 95°F
Can survive these temperatures
Frost Note: Tolerates light frost (25-32°F). Cold temperatures often intensify the crimson stem color. Protect young plants from hard freeze.
Best USDA Zones
Humidity
40-70%
Adaptable to various humidity levels. Good air circulation prevents fungal issues.
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 strongest plant. Red color visible early in stems.
Transplant ready: Ready when 3-4 inches tall with red color showing.
Vegetative Growth
Duration: 4-6 weeks
Rapid leaf and red stem production. Begin harvesting outer stalks at 8-10 inches.
Harvest Maturity
Timing: 50-60 days from seed
- Full-sized plant with deep crimson stems
- Continues producing for months
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 harvesting
- •Temperature for color
- •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. Avoid splashing dirt on colorful stems.
⚠️ Critical Watering Periods
- • Seedling establishment
- • Hot summer weather
- • Active growth
Pro Tips
- Deep roots provide good drought tolerance once established
- Consistent moisture produces tender stems with best color
- Mulch to retain moisture and keep stems clean
- Water needs increase during hot weather
Feeding Schedule
Organic Options
Top-dress with compost monthly. Apply liquid feed every 3-4 weeks.
Minimum Size
10 inch pot minimum
Recommended Size
14-16 inch pot
Depth Required
12 inches minimum for taproot
Best Varieties for Containers
Container Tips
- Stunning ornamental container plant with crimson stems
- Deep containers accommodate taproot
- Beautiful in mixed edible and ornamental containers
- Water more frequently than ground-planted chard
- Fertilize monthly for best color and production
Why Prune
When
Begin harvesting when outer stalks reach 8-10 inches with good color
How Often
Every 1-2 weeks throughout growing season
Technique
Cut outer stalks at base. Take entire stalk including colorful stem.
Remove
- ✗ Outer mature stalks
- ✗ Damaged leaves
- ✗ Flower stalks if bolting
Keep
- ✓ Growing center
- ✓ Young inner stalks
- ✓ At least 5-6 inner leaves
