{"product_id":"swiss-chard-mix","title":"Swiss Chard Mix","description":"\u003cp\u003eMetchosin Farm’s Swiss Chard Mix is a stunning blend of colourful, tender-stemmed chard varieties selected over 15 years to combine the best traits of traditional rainbow chard, bright lights chard, and sugar beet-derived silverbeet varieties. With deep greens, reds, oranges, yellows, and pinks, this mix is both highly ornamental and an essential workhorse for year-round vegetable gardens.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003ePacked with nutrients and antioxidants, Swiss chard thrives in both summer and winter gardens. Its sweet, mild flavour makes it a versatile ingredient, whether eaten raw in salads, sautéed, or added to soups and stews.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWhere Can You Grow Swiss Chard Mix\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eSwiss Chard grows well in Zones 3-9, thriving in full sun to partial shade and well-drained soil. It is an excellent addition to raised beds, garden borders, and even ornamental plantings due to its striking foliage.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eHistory and Historical Uses\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eChard has been cultivated for thousands of years, originating in the Mediterranean and later spreading across Europe and North America. Traditionally prized for its nutrient-rich leaves and hardy nature, chard continues to be a staple in home gardens for its reliability and flavour.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCanadian Zone Information\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eZones 8-9:\u003c\/strong\u003e Sow seeds directly in early spring or autumn for a continuous harvest.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eZones 5-7:\u003c\/strong\u003e Direct sow in late spring or early summer; mulch well for winter harvesting.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eZones 3-4:\u003c\/strong\u003e Plant in late spring and provide row cover for extended growth into fall.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cimg alt=\"\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0570\/7841\/5473\/files\/Plant_Hardiness.png?v=1734491528\"\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eHow to Grow and Harvest Swiss Chard Mix\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003col\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003ePlanting:\u003c\/strong\u003e Sow seeds 1-2cm (0.5-1in) deep, spacing plants 20-30cm (8-12in) apart.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eWatering:\u003c\/strong\u003e Keep soil evenly moist for tender, sweet leaves.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eHarvesting:\u003c\/strong\u003e Begin harvesting outer leaves when they reach 15-20cm (6-8in) tall, allowing the plant to continue producing.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eFrost Tolerance:\u003c\/strong\u003e Chard withstands light frosts, and mature plants can survive mild winters with protection.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ol\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eSeed Saving Tips for Future Supply\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003col\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eAllow Plants to Flower:\u003c\/strong\u003e In their second year, chard plants will send up seed stalks.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eHarvest Seeds:\u003c\/strong\u003e Once seed heads dry and turn brown, cut them and allow further drying.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eThresh and Clean:\u003c\/strong\u003e Crush seed heads to release seeds and remove any debris.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eStore:\u003c\/strong\u003e Store seeds in an airtight container in a cool, dark place. Properly stored seeds remain viable for up to 5 years.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ol\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCertified Organic By\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eIslands Organics Producers Association (Cert#1962)\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Metchosin Farm","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":48811187503346,"sku":"MF-GREENS-002","price":4.76,"currency_code":"CAD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0698\/4106\/0082\/files\/Swiss_Chard_Mix.webp?v=1772481899","url":"https:\/\/homeandwell.ca\/products\/swiss-chard-mix","provider":"Home \u0026 Well ","version":"1.0","type":"link"}