Swiss Chard vs Spinach: Season Plus Bolting
The Swiss chard vs spinach choice often comes down to season. Utah State University Extension describes both as cool season vegetables that prefer sun plus fertile, well drained soil. UF/IFAS notes that chard is more heat tolerant than spinach. That makes chard the green for warmer months.
The short answer
Spinach is a fast spring plus fall crop that bolts during long days plus warm weather. Swiss chard is related to spinach but handles more heat. It can be picked over a long season. Both grow from seed sown after soils reach 40°F. Chard needs wider spacing than spinach.
Why does spinach bolt?
Utah State University Extension notes that spinach flowers during long days plus warm temperatures in summer. Illinois Extension adds that leaves quickly decline once flowering begins. Long standing varieties plus slow bolting types suit late spring plantings better.
Illinois Extension suggests seeding spinach again in late summer for a fall plus early winter crop.
How are the plants related?
UF/IFAS notes that Swiss chard is the same species as beet plus closely related to spinach. Chard has been bred for large, glossy leaves instead of a round root. Its leaves can be dark green or red, with midribs of white, red, orange or yellow.
| Trait | Swiss chard | Spinach |
|---|---|---|
| Ideal sprouting range | 55 to 75°F | 55 to 65°F |
| Spacing in row | 6 inches | 3 inches |
| Heat | More heat tolerant | Bolts in long, warm days |
Source: Utah State University Extension plus UF/IFAS Gardening Solutions.
How do you pick each crop?
Utah State University Extension notes that chard can be picked when leaves reach full size. All leaves can be cut to within 2 inches of the soil if the growing point is not damaged. Illinois Extension notes that spinach can be picked once it forms a rosette of five or six leaves.
How to: step by step
- Wait for 40°F soil.
- Plant seeds ½ inch deep.
- Thin once plants have 3 to 4 true leaves.
- Set spinach 3 inches apart plus chard 6 inches apart.
- Water regularly plus evenly.
- Gather outer leaves as they reach size.
Troubleshooting
Spinach sends up a seed stalk: long days plus heat. Plant slow bolting varieties or sow earlier.
Seeds fail to sprout: soil above 80°F. Wait for cooler weather.
Chard grows slowly: root knot nematodes. UF/IFAS suggests checking roots for damage.
For related reading see leaf anatomy, frost damage plus raised beds. Kind Seed Co also stocks cannabis seeds.
Sources
- How to grow Swiss chard in your garden, Utah State University Extension
- Spinach in the garden, Utah State University Extension
- Spinach, home vegetable gardening, University of Illinois Extension
- Swiss chard, UF/IFAS Gardening Solutions
FAQ
When should spinach be planted?
Utah State University Extension suggests planting spinach seeds ½ inch deep two to three weeks before the last spring frost. Illinois Extension notes that the first planting can be made as soon as the soil is prepared in spring. It suggests sowing again in late summer for a fall plus early winter crop.
How long does chard take to mature?
UF/IFAS notes that chard is ready to pick 40 to 60 days after seeding, or once leaves reach 8 to 10 inches long. Pick the outer leaves a few at a time for a long, continuous supply. In Florida, chard can be planted during all but the hottest months of the year.
Can these greens handle frost?
Utah State University Extension notes that temperatures down to 32°F do not seriously damage young chard or spinach plants. Illinois Extension adds that in southern areas, young spinach seedlings can survive winter on well drained soils plus resume growth in spring. Mulch can help seedlings through winter in borderline areas.
Why grow plain leaved spinach?
Illinois Extension notes that crinkled leaf spinach varieties tend to catch soil during rainfalls. Plain leaved varieties hold less grit. Utah State University Extension lists Bloomsdale, Melody, Teton plus Olympia as varieties suited to local conditions. Planting several types gives a range of leaf textures.
Can chard be grown as an ornamental?
Yes. UF/IFAS notes that chard is often grown as an ornamental because of its colorful stalks. Some gardeners include it in front yard plantings or plant it with flowers in beds plus containers. Mixes of colorful varieties are often sold as rainbow chard, with Bright Lights among them.
