Swiss chard
Beta vulgaris subsp. cicla
Also called Rainbow chard and Silverbeet
Garden plant · Herbs, veg & fruitThe most forgiving thing in the patch. Cut it hard and it comes again all season.
Care at a glance
- Ease
- Easy
- Water
- Every 3 daysWater the ground — water at the base, in the morning, not over the leaves.
- Light
- Full sun to part shade
- Feed
- Every 21 days
- Humidity
- Average
- Hardiness
- Very hardy RHS H7, to -25°C
- Size
- 0.3 m tall · 0.3 m across
- Lifecycle
- Biennial
- Origin
- Mediterranean
Is it safe for pets and people?
PetsSafe for pets
Signs: the large, mature leaves contain oxalic acid.
PeopleNothing recorded against it
Large mature leaves (oxalic acid). Safe to eat: leaves and stalks.
Checked against ASPCA and Johnny's Selected Seeds on 2026-07-31.
A guide, not veterinary or medical advice. If a pet or a person has eaten a plant and you are worried, call your vet or doctor now — don’t wait for signs to appear. Spotted a mistake? Tell us.
First signs of trouble
- Pale papery blisters winding between the veins of a leaf; held up to the light there is a small white grub inside the tunnel.Beet leaf miner · pest
- Yellow patches on the older outer leaves with a grey furring on the underside, after a run of cool damp mornings.Downy mildew · disease