Growing swiss chard: timing, spacing and costs by zone
When to plant swiss chard in Zones 6–9, spacing, and what to know before you commit ground.
Not yet expert-reviewed. Written by BAU Farm Intelligence from public extension and agency sources. Check dates and program details with your local extension office.
When to plant
Swiss chard: cool-season, hardy to frost. Plant when soil reaches 50–75°F. Dates below are averages worked out from each zone's frost dates — check your own field.
- Zone 6b (Boone NC): set out March 27 – April 17; fall planting July 23 – August 13. First picking around May 28 – June 25.
- Zone 7b (Raleigh): set out March 11 – April 1; fall planting August 6 – August 27. First picking around May 12 – June 9.
- Zone 8b (Charleston SC): set out February 15 – March 8; fall planting August 30 – September 20. First picking around April 18 – May 16.
- Zone 9a (Gainesville FL): set out January 28 – February 18; fall planting September 15 – October 6. First picking around March 31 – April 28.
Setting it up
Direct-seed or transplant (start transplants about 4 weeks ahead). Space plants 10 inches apart in rows 18 inches apart, about 0.5 inch deep. Expect roughly 55 days to first harvest.
Field notes
Cut-and-come-again crop. A spring planting can produce well into fall with cool weather and consistent water.
How it fits each zone
- Zone 6b: excellent — Swiss chard is well suited to Zone 6b. Standard planting dates work with minor adjustments for microclimates.
- Zone 7b: excellent — Swiss chard is well suited to Zone 7b. Standard planting dates work with minor adjustments for microclimates.
- Zone 8b: excellent — Swiss chard is well suited to Zone 8b. Standard planting dates work with minor adjustments for microclimates.
- Zone 9a: good — Cool-season crops bolt fast under Zone 9a heat. Prioritize the fall planting window and use shade cloth for any spring succession.
Before you plant
Line up who will buy it and at what price before seed goes in the ground. See the planting calendar for your exact zone.