How do you harvest Swiss chard to encourage regrowth?
Written by
Nguyen Minh
Reviewed by
Prof. Samuel Fitzgerald, Ph.D.Proper harvesting converts Swiss chard into a perennial producer. The "cut-and-come-again method" causes vigorous regrowth when executed properly. I instruct home gardeners to begin harvesting from the outside edge of the plant and pick mature outer leaves first. Then, you harvest by cutting the stem precisely 1 inch above the soil line. Starting from the outer edge, this technique maintains the central growth point to encourage new shoots to grow. You will be rewarded with continued harvests from your plants.
Tool Selection
- Sharp bypass pruners create clean cuts without bruising
- Disinfect blades between plants with rubbing alcohol
- Avoid tearing stems which invites disease entry points
Growth Stage Timing
- Baby leaves: Harvest at 3-4 inches for salads
- Cooking leaves: Wait for 6-8 inch maturity
- Never remove more than 1/3 of foliage per harvest
Plant Preservation
- Always leave 5+ young inner leaves intact
- Harvest during cool morning hours below 75°F
- Water plants immediately after harvesting sessions
Regrowth relies on proper leaf selection. Look for outer leaves that have good color. Do not tear out the central bud. My method is to hold the stem and cut to avoid damage to the crown. This can potentially cause harm if not cut correctly! Plants recover much quicker when you are gentle with them during harvest.
Post-harvest care is very important for promoting growth. Water deeply within 2 hours of harvest. Apply diluted fish emulsion fertilizer every week. I mist the leaves on hot afternoons. These practices alleviate stress on the plant and may lead to increased vigor of new growth within 3-5 days.
Immediately troubleshoot slow regrowth. If they are in a container, look for root congestion. The soil pH must be 6.0-6.8. If nitrogen drops, add compost. My plants flourish with these recommendations. Professional botanists who research this claim that they produce a lot of foliage for 8-10 months.
Read the full article: How to Grow Swiss Chard Successfully
