The plant forms clusters of leaves tinged red with a deep red rib.The leaves can be gently cooked like Spinach and the ribs treated like Asparagus. Pick young stems and the plant will keep producing new growth. Ideal as a baby leaf and adds colour to salads, with its remarkable red petioles, mid-rib and veins.Hardy Biennial.
Product Part Number: 10515
Pack Size: 100 Seeds
When to Sow 'Rhubarb' Chard Seeds
March to July. Germination takes 14-21 days.
Where to Sow
Sow direct in a well prepared, moist, fertile growing site in full sun or partial shade. Sow seeds thinly at a depth of 2cm (3/4") in drills 35-40cm (14-16") apart. Can also be multi-sown in module cell trays and transplanted to the plot as gaps appear or as decorative patio containers.
What to do Next
Thin seedlings to 7cm (3") apart for 'baby leaves' which will be ready to harvest approximately 2 months from sowing. For larger chards/leaves thin to 20cm (8") apart, for mature plants.
Maturity
June to October as baby leaf or mature plants
Handy Tip
A highly nutritious vegetable, leaves can be used as spinach, lightly cook stem ribs and serve with butter. Adds extra colour as a baby leaf in salads. Protect young seedlings with slug control as necessary.
Nutritional Values
Rich in Beta carotene, calcium, iron and folic acid.