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Ruby Red

Beta vulgaris

$3.99

8 g Approximately

Ruby Red Swiss Chard (Beta vulgaris subsp. cicla) is a striking heirloom variety with dark green leaves and vibrant burgundy-red stems. Known for its attractive appearance and crisp, slightly spinach-like flavor, Ruby Red Swiss Chard is as much a decorative garden addition as it is a nutritious one. This variety is rich in vitamins A, C, and K and is popular in fresh salads, stir-fries, and soups.

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53 in stock

  • Days to Maturity: 50-55 days
  • USDA Zones: 2-11
  • Optimal Temperature: 50-75¡F
  • Sunlight Requirement: Full Sun to Partial Shade
  • Spacing: 3-6 inches apart in rows spaced 12-18 inches apart
  • Soil Requirements: Rich, well-drained, slightly acidic soil with pH 6.0-7.0

Sowing Outdoors:

  • Direct sow seeds 2-3 weeks before the last spring frost or once soil temperature reaches 50¡F.
  • Sow seeds _-1 inch deep, spacing them 1-2 inches apart. Cover lightly with soil.
  • Thin seedlings to 8 inches apart once they reach about 2-3 inches tall for optimal growth.

Sowing Indoors:

  • Start seeds indoors 4-6 weeks before the last expected frost for earlier growth.
  • Transplant outdoors when seedlings are about 5-6 inches tall, and harden off by gradually exposing them to outdoor conditions.

Fall Sowing:

  • For fall harvest, sow seeds in late summer. In mild climates, sow in early fall and apply mulch to help plants overwinter.

Growing Tips

  • Watering: Keep soil consistently moist, especially during dry periods. Mulch around the plants to retain moisture and control weeds.
  • Fertilizing: Feed with a balanced, organic fertilizer every 2-3 weeks to support continuous leaf growth.
  • Pest Management: Monitor for aphids and leaf miners. Use row covers to protect young plants from pests.

Harvesting Ruby Red Swiss Chard

  • Baby Leaves: Harvest leaves at 2-4 inches long for fresh salads.
  • Mature Leaves: Pick individual outer leaves once they reach about 6-8 inches. Avoid taking more than one-third of the leaves at a time to keep the plant productive.
  • Storage: Store harvested chard leaves in a sealed plastic bag in the refrigerator for up to a week. Do not wash before storing to prevent spoilage.

Culinary Uses and Benefits

With its mild and slightly earthy flavor, Ruby Red Swiss Chard is a versatile green. Use it raw in salads, sauted with garlic, or as a colorful addition to soups. The vibrant red stems and green leaves provide a beautiful and nutrient-dense addition to meals, packed with vitamins and minerals.