Beta vulgaris subsp. cicla 'Ruby Chard'
Swiss chard, Common beet
- Height × spread
- 0.4m × 0.3m
- Position
- Full sun
- Hardiness
- Mild winter to -5C (RHS H3)
Availability
Please ask in store about availability
Many plants are seasonal. Call 01234 567890 to check current stock.
About this plant
This is a vegetable that because of ornamental good looks, is grown in the herbaceous garden for its stem colour. This cabbage-like plant has bright red stems and deeply crinkled, crumpled leaves that are shiny and corrugated. They are deep red-black with a pronounced central vein. If you position it with the light behind, it will take on a ruby glow. Swiss chard is a delicious vegetable. To harvest it, pull off the outside leaves and the remainder of the plant will continue to grow.
- Foliage colour
- Purple, Red
- Variegated
- No
- Scent
- No
- Shape
- Cube
- Height
- 0.4m
- Spread
- 0.3m
- Season of interest
- Autumn, Winter
- Evergreen
- Deciduous
- Garden style
- Winter garden
- Sun or shade
- Likes full sun, tolerates part shade
- Soil type
- Loam (normal)
- Soil pH
- All types
- Drainage
- Moisture retentive soil, Well drained soil
- Hardiness
- Mild winter to -5C (RHS H3)
- Borders & containers
- Borders
- Hazards
- No
Spring
Spring - late · Outdoors
Feed with slow release fertiliser
Apply a general purpose slow release fertiliser, spreading it around the root area of the plant as it is coming into growth. (Or apply a liquid feed at regular intervals throughout the growing season.)
This is a simple way to provide a nutrient boost as a single annual procedure.
Spring-Autumn · Outdoors
Water to keep the soil moist
For best results, this plant needs soil that is always moist. Water deeply and regularly as soon as soil appears dry. Even for established plants in the ground, a dry week can cause problems with some soils. Check plants in pots more often, especially in hot weather. Or install an automatic irrigation system which will do the hard work for you, even when you are away on holiday.
Without regular watering some plants never fully regain their beauty.