Sowing Indoors-Not recommended.
Sowing Outdoors-Direct sow anywhere from 1 month before your average last frost date through mid-summer. Cover with fine soil or vermiculite and keep the soil moist. Soak seed for 1-2 hours in hot (100°F) water to hasten germination. Thin once the plants are 3 inches high.
Growing Tips-Chard is a cool-season crop that tolerates hot temperatures fairly well. In areas where winters are mild, chard can produce greens all winter long.
Fertilization Tips-Swiss chard prefers a pH between 6.0-6.8. Apply 1 cup of a blended organic fertilizer or 1/2 cup of blood meal per 5 row feet when plants are about 6 inches tall.
Insect Prevention Tips-Swiss chard is sometimes attacked by flea beetles. Cover the beds with a floating row cover, or spray with Pyrethrin.
Seed Specs-Approximately 50 seeds per gram. Minimum germination standard: 75%. Usual seed life: 2 years.
Seed Saving Tips-All beets and chards will cross pollinate with one another. Chard is wind pollinated and the light pollen can travel up to five miles. Isolation of 2-5 miles is recommended. In home gardens, consider seed stalk bagging techniques for purity.

Seed Depth	Soil Temp. for Germ.	Days to Germination	Light Requirements	Thin Plants to
1/2"	55-75°F	5-14	Full Sun/Partial Shade	8-10"