Organic 'Ruby' Swiss chard
identification
description
Organic 'Ruby' Swiss chard (Beta vulgaris subsp. cicla) from McKenzie Seeds, an elegant variety with red stems and dark green foliage
Organic 'Ruby' Swiss chard is distinguished by its lush, dark green foliage contrasting with vibrant ruby-red stems , making it as ornamental as it is productive . Its texture is soft and tender , with a delicately earthy flavor , highly prized in cooking. The stems can be prepared like asparagus , while the leaves make an excellent substitute for spinach , either raw or cooked.
Ideal for both vegetable gardens and decorative flowerbeds , this variety allows for staggered harvests : the leaves can be picked as early as 30 days for use as young shoots, and then at 60 days for mature leaves. It is delicious in salads , quiches , stir-fries , or simply steamed with a little butter . It is safe for bees to grow, but the plant remains sensitive to frost and prefers mild conditions.
Spread/Habit: Upright, with ample foliage
Plant height: Approximately 45 to 60 cm
Seed producer: McKenzie
Seed type: Open pollination
Physical seed type: Organic seeds
Quantity per packet: Approximately 40 to 45 seeds
Special features: Decorative red stems, successive harvests, ideal for vegetable gardens and flower beds
Stem color: Ruby red
Texture/flavor: Mild and earthy taste
Tolerance: Sensitive to frost, good vigor in temperate climates
Farming method
Sow directly outdoors once the soil has warmed up and all risk of frost has passed . To encourage rapid germination, it is recommended to soak the seeds overnight in room-temperature water. The ideal soil temperature is between 13 and 24°C .
Sow at a depth of 1.3 cm , spacing the seeds approximately 2.5 cm apart in rows 45 cm apart. Gently press the soil to ensure good seed-to-soil contact and water delicately with a fine mist . Keep the soil evenly moist , but not waterlogged, during germination, which usually occurs in 7 to 10 days .
When the seedlings have developed 2 to 3 pairs of leaves , thin them out to maintain a spacing of approximately 25 cm between plants. The thinned seedlings can be eaten as young green vegetables . Successive sowings every 10 days for about 4 weeks will ensure a continuous harvest.
Harvesting and maintenance
Harvesting typically begins 60 days after sowing for mature leaves. Harvesting the outer leaves as needed stimulates regrowth and prolongs production. Regular watering, equivalent to 2.5 to 5 cm of water per week , promotes tender leaves and well-developed stems.
Usage ideas
The leaves can be eaten raw or cooked , as a substitute for spinach, while the stems are excellent braised, sautéed, or creamed . Their red color adds an attractive visual touch to dishes.
McKenzie's organic 'Ruby' Swiss chard is a versatile and decorative variety , perfect for gardeners who want to combine beauty , nutrition , and extended harvests . A reliable choice to enrich the vegetable garden and the kitchen throughout the season.
