Harvesting Swiss chard is a fun and rewarding experience. Not only are chard leaves delicious and versatile, the plant itself is gorgeous and long-lasting due to its wide variety of colors. In this article we will take a look at how to correctly harvest Swiss chard for maximum enjoyment and yield.
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Harvest Method
The best way to harvest Swiss chard is through a process called “cut and come again”. This means that instead of harvesting the entire plant, you should only harvest the outer leaves. You won’t be taking any of the tender small leaves situated in the center of the plant.
When harvesting leaves from Swiss chard, use a sharp blade and start from the middle and work your way out. Cut each leaf off at the stem and be careful not to damage any of the others. When the leaves are tender, you could try using your fingers, but make sure to be gentle. Any damage to the leaves could attract pests and disease.
Harvest Time
Swiss chard is a cool season crop, so it should be harvested during the cooler months of the year. The leaves are usually ready to harvest in about 60 to 90 days from planting. In areas with mild climates, the leaves will be harvestable earlier.
It’s best to harvest within a few hours of cooking time, because the leaves are tender and can quickly wilt once off the plant. If you can’t use them right away, store them in a cool and dark place. The leaves should last for a few days.
Harvest Size
When it comes to harvesting Swiss chard, it’s important to have the right harvest size. The plant needs enough leaves to sustain itself, but you don’t want to overdo it and take away too much.
To ensure that the plant is healthy, it’s advised to snip off the outside leaves that are the largest. You should always leave a few small leaves at the stem because these are important for the health of the plant.
Harvest Yield
The yield of Swiss chard will depend on the number of plants you have and the climate you’re in. Generally, one plant should yield between one and two pounds of chard leaves, though this can be higher in warmer climates.
You should harvest Swiss chard regularly to ensure that you get the most out of your plant.
Harvesting Swiss chard is a great way to add some delicious and nutritious leafy greens to your table. When done correctly, you can get a great yield from a single plant, and be cooking with fresh Swiss chard leaves in no time. So go on - get out there and get harvesting those Swiss chard leaves!