skip to main content

Florida Gardening

Swiss Chard Help

8 years ago

I am having some trouble with my Swiss Chard. I started them indoors and transplanted them into my garden about a month ago. They are all about 3" high and have 3-4 small leaves on them but have not grown much since transplanting them. The leaves/stems look weak and gangly. Is it too hot right now for them to grow larger right now? Perhaps more fertility is needed? I don't think it's transplant shock since it is happening to all of them. The same sort of thing happened in the summer, they got to the 3" size and stopped growing.

The are the Ruby Red and Rainbow varieties. I also live north east of Tampa.

Do you guys have any thoughts as to what is going on?

Sort by:Oldest

Comments (5)

carolb_w_fl_coastal_9b
8 years ago
I think it may be the heat - chard is definitely a cool weather veggie
garyfla_gw
8 years ago
Hi

I grew a mixture last year ,red white varieties It grew very well during winter and lasted well into June ,even then it was eaten by bugs rather than declining.. Went to get some tomato and they had some "Neon rainbow" chard ,9 plants for 3 bucks so I bought them lol Divided them between a large pot and the compost bed Too soon to tell but they all look perky so far . In spite of the fact that the neighbors cat dug up those in the compost bed so had to replant . I suspect they were a bit young for transplant .

You grew yours from seed?? Last year was my first time growing them while I do like the taste I was impressed with what a beautiful plant it was especially the red type .Don't know much about them but suspect they would do better in cooler temps?? good luck gary
Related Discussions
Beet and Swiss Chard leaves are dying ... help!
Q
Comments (6)
I came here looking for answers of this as well. Mine wilted and some type of inchworms were chewing leaves. They were much smaller than hookworms and almost a vibrant green color. Even after I removed them all on several plants in different pots in different properties, they all declined a slow and steady death. I assumed it was more due to it being 90+ here in Florida and a bunch of rain. Will Swiss Chard last the summer in a hot and wet environment here in Florida?
...See More
Swiss chard won't grow...help!
Q
Comments (8)
I have had the same problem with bright lights. My first planting and only two germinated. I called Johnny's and they told me it might be the heat so I will reseed and move the containers where they get partial shade and hope for the best. I am doing the same thing with my summer lettuce varities. I hope that I can get them all growing as all the other has bolted.
...See More
Swiss chard leaf disease - treat or pull?
Q
Comments (3)
Sproradic diseases triggered by bad weather are such a bummer. The UMASS reference would say to pull the plants and start over, but that it won't spread beyond the beet/spinach family. At least there is time to start over. I often have good luck with chard planted late and set out in early to midsummer. Here is a link that might be useful: UMASS Cercospora
...See More
Anyone grow Swiss Chard ?
Q
Comments (9)
Bright Lights does make a fantastic ornamental. I have grown them for a couple years and I plan to transplant some to my flower garden as an accent when they get large enough. I suppose chard could possibly co-exist with tomatoes in an Earthbox, depending how many plants of each you're talking about. I have never put more than two tomatoes in one Earthbox and there wouldn't be room for anything else except maybe some small herbs like a basil or two. If you only had one tomato plant therein, then maybe a chard on either side could work, provided you kept it picked back of the largest outer leaves. Chard, which is a member of the beet family, eventually grows a large cylindrical root sort of like the mangel (sp?) beets fed to cattle. Generally my Bright Lights grew to about 18 inches in diameter (without the outer leaves being harvested) and about the same in height.
...See More
buckeyefaninfl
Original Author
8 years ago
Thanks for your replies everyone. I did grow everything from seed. I guess I will be more patient as the cooler temps arrive. Maybe I will start a dozen more seedlings just in case. By the way, I I was just out watering the garden and it feels great, nice and col weather. I love gardening in Florida and its two seasons.
whgille
8 years ago
Hi

I start all my veggies from seed. In my experience swiss chard likes rich soil, when seedlings they prefer the cooler weather but once they are mature they can take the heat.

Right now I am harvesting kale and oriental greens, direct sow lettuce.

Silvia
carolb_w_fl_coastal_9b
8 years ago
UF recommends beets to start in October - chard is in the beet family, FWIW....

Related Stories

GARDENING GUIDES Cool-Season Vegetables: How to Grow Chard

By Marianne Lipanovich

A year-round garden favorite with a colorful stem, Swiss chard comes into its own in early spring and in fall

DECLUTTERING Downsizing Help: Choosing What Furniture to Leave Behind

By Becky Dietrich, Interior Designer

What to take, what to buy, how to make your favorite furniture fit ... get some answers from a homeowner who scaled way down

HOUZZ TOURS My Houzz: Clean Swiss Style in a New Jersey Suburb

By Esther Hershcovich

Sleek, white finishes and a more open layout give once-traditional interiors contemporary appeal

PRODUCT PICKS Guest Picks: Cure Style Doldrums With Swiss Cross Accessories

By Jen L'Italien

If your home decor could use some reviving, apply these blankets, pillows and tiles and watch it perk right up

ARCHITECTURE Design Takeaways From a Simply Beautiful Swiss Hotel

Homes can take a hint from the modesty, purity and warmth of this new hotel in the Alps

HOUZZ TOURS My Houzz: Swiss Home with Sweeping Views

By Holly Marder

Colorful artwork, a complete home gym, and stunning views of the Alps combine in this central Switzerland penthouse

LIFE You Said It: ‘Pretend You’re in a Swiss Chalet’ and More Houzz Wisdom

By Becky Harris

Design advice, inspiration and observations that struck a chord on Houzz this week

DECORATING GUIDES The Most Helpful Furniture Piece You May Ever Own

By Mike Dietrich

Use it as a table, a seat, a display space, a footrest ... and indoors or out. Meet the ever-versatile Chinese garden stool

EXTERIORS Help! What Color Should I Paint My House Exterior?

By Jennifer Ott Design

Real homeowners get real help in choosing paint palettes. Bonus: 3 tips for everyone on picking exterior colors

COLOR Pick-a-Paint Help: How to Create a Whole-House Color Palette

By Laura Gaskill

Don't be daunted. With these strategies, building a cohesive palette for your entire home is less difficult than it seems

Sponsored

More Discussions

Diagnosing problems with firespike in Sarasota

5

2024 January : upload your photos of first blooms of season

19

Greening Satsuma

2

New Blooms Feb./Mar.

26

Leaving my final garden

3