Organic 'Rainbow' Swiss chard mix
identification
description
Organic 'Rainbow' Swiss chard (Beta vulgaris subsp. cicla) from McKenzie Seeds, a nutritious and decorative multicolour mix
Organic 'Rainbow' Swiss chard is a spectacular mix of varieties with brightly colored stems in red, orange, yellow, and white , bringing as much visual beauty as nutritional value to the garden. The ample, productive, dark green foliage complements the vibrant, fleshy stems, making it ideal for decorative vegetable gardens , borders, and container gardening .
Prized for its mild, slightly earthy flavor , 'Rainbow' Swiss chard is incredibly versatile in the kitchen . The leaves can be used as a substitute for spinach, while the stems are perfect for creamy, sautéed, or braised dishes. Rich in vitamins and minerals , this variety grows quickly, allowing for successive harvests , and is safe for bees . It prefers full sun to partial shade and is susceptible to hard frosts .
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: Multicolored stems, rapid growth, staggered harvests, excellent for containers
Stem colors: Red, orange, yellow and white
Texture/flavor: Mild and earthy taste
Tolerance: Sensitive to frost, good vigor in cool conditions
Farming method
Sow directly outdoors once the soil has warmed up and all risk of frost has passed . To speed up germination, it is recommended to soak the seeds overnight in room-temperature water before sowing. 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 reach a few centimeters in height and develop 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 supply.
Harvesting and maintenance
Harvesting typically begins 55 days after sowing . Harvesting the outer leaves as needed encourages 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 used raw or cooked , like spinach, while the stems are well-suited to creamy preparations , stir- fries , and stews . Their color remains attractive after cooking, adding a visual touch to dishes.
McKenzie's organic 'Rainbow' Swiss chard is a decorative and productive variety , perfect for gardeners who want to combine aesthetics , nutrition , and ease of cultivation . A sustainable and colorful choice to enrich the vegetable garden throughout the season.
