Short answer: soak 25 to 35 g of Swiss chard seed for 4 to 12 hours. Spread it on a 10 × 20 inch tray of moist soil, press it in, and cover with a lightly weighted tray for 3 to 4 days. Uncover, give bright light for the best colour, and water from below. Cut at 8 to 12 days.
What is Swiss chard?
Swiss chard (Beta vulgaris subsp. vulgaris) is a leafy relative of beet. Red and yellow types grow brightly coloured stems as microgreens. Like beet, each chard "seed" is a cluster that can send up several sprouts. Sprouting.com gives chard 8 to 12 days, with about ¾ cup of microgreens from ¼ cup of seed.1
How to grow Swiss chard microgreens
- Day0
Soak
Soak the seed clusters for 4 to 12 hours to soften them.
- Day0
Sow
Spread over moist potting mix and press in firmly.
- Day0–4
Weighted blackout
Cover with a tray and a light weight. Mist daily.
- Day4
Light
Uncover and give bright light. Colour develops in light.
- Day8–12
Harvest
Cut above the soil. Pick off any seed caps on the leaves.
The method is the same as beet microgreens.
Tips for growing Swiss chard microgreens
- Soak well. The corky seed clusters need 4 to 12 hours.
- Press seed in firmly so roots can grip.
- Use a light weight during blackout to help shed seed caps.
- Expect uneven sprouting. Each cluster holds several seeds that sprout at slightly different times.
Problems and fixes
| Problem | Likely cause | Fix |
|---|---|---|
| Slow or patchy start | Short soak, dry seed | Soak longer, keep damp during blackout |
| Seed caps on leaves | Normal for chard and beet | Weighted blackout, pick off at harvest |
| Pale stems | Low light | Strong light after uncovering |
| Mold at the base | Too wet, still air | Water from below, add airflow |
Red vs yellow chard
| Type | Look |
|---|---|
| Red Swiss chard | Bright red stems |
| Yellow Swiss chard | Golden stems |
Grow them together for a rainbow tray. They taste the same: mild and earthy.
How to use Swiss chard microgreens
- Salads: a colourful layer with milder greens like pea shoots.
- Grain bowls: on quinoa or rice with roasted vegetables.
- Eggs: scattered over omelettes and frittatas.
- Soups: a bright garnish for squash or potato soup.
- Garnish: red stems look striking on white fish or risotto.
Storing and eating Swiss chard microgreens
Use within 5 days. Chard microgreens add colour to salads, grain bowls, soups and egg dishes. Pair red chard with red amaranth for a striking garnish.
Swiss chard FAQ
How long do Swiss chard microgreens take?
About 8 to 12 days after a 4 to 12 hour soak.
Why do chard seeds grow several sprouts?
Each chard seed is really a cluster of seeds, like beet. One cluster can send up two or three seedlings.
What do Swiss chard microgreens taste like?
Mild and earthy, like a soft beet green.
Written by Michael
A passionate sprouting professional sharing practical tips for growing sprouts and microgreens at home. More about Michael
Sources
- Sprouting.com (Mumm's Sprouting Seeds). Product pages: days to sprout, soak time and yield for each seed. Link
