Ruby RedDark green, shiny leaves with red veins and bright crimson stalks make this a great vegetable that is both decorative and edible! The plants grow up to 24" tall, and the tasty uniquely flavored leaves can be used fresh or frozen.
Harvesting: Individual leaves can be harvested for greens as soon as they reach a height of 6-8". The whole plant can be cut at the surface of the soil, but to ensure continued growth and another harvest, leave an an inch of stem. Outer stalks can also be harvested individually, leaving the heart to grow. Seed Saving: Since Swiss chard is wind pollinated, be sure to separate them from other varieties of chard and beet by at least two miles to preserve genetic purity. Chard plants must weather the winter in order to produce seed; in warmer climates, simply mulch the plants. In cooler climates, dig up the roots and store them in sand, without the roots touching, in a cool and humid location; plant them in early spring. In the spring, the plants will go to seed; wait until the seed heads are fully grown and dry before removing them. The seeds will readily come off the stems after they are completely dry. Store ruby red Swiss chard seeds in a cool, dry place for up to five years. Notes:
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CategoriesFDL Seed Library
The FDL Seed Library is a collection of open-pollinated and heirloom seeds that you can borrow to plant and grow at home. By saving seeds as a community we help create local seed stocks that are better acclimated to our climate and which support an abundant and genetically diverse landscape.
We ask that seeds are “returned” by harvesting seeds from a plant or two that you grow. Donated seeds will help to add diversity to our collection. Archives
March 2022
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