Swiss Chard 'Bright Lights'

Photo Credit National Garden Bureau

Swiss Chard 'Bright Lights' is a cool weather, heirloom variety that produces rosettes with very large leaves and multicolor stems. Plant in full sun or partial shade in soil amended with plenty of compost. Feed with a high nitrogen fertilizer for large, flavorful leaves. Water regularly.

Planting your 6 pack: Either separate each seedling by carefully teasing apart the roots and plant each seedling 6-8 inches apart, and water immediately after. Or, plant the cluster of seedlings 10 inches apart. Water in after planting.

Harvest by picking off the outer leaves. Plants will regrow from the center. When weather begins to warm up, harvest entire plants before they begin to bolt. Swiss Chard is great steamed or sauteed with olive oil and garlic.