For anyone looking to become a master Swiss Chard grower, the question of how much sun does the vegetable need is of utmost importance. As with all vegetables, Swiss chard needs ample sunshine to grow, but there is a bit of finesse involved in keeping them happy and healthy. Here’s how to do it!
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Light Exposure for Swiss Chard
Swiss chard loves the full sun. If you’re looking to grow a bumper crop of bright green, bitter-tasting Swiss chard, you should make sure that it’s getting at least 6 to 8 hours of direct sunlight each day. Crazy enough sunshine for you? You bet it is!
What to Do with Partial Shade
If your Swiss chard is exposed to partial shade, fear not – it can still do well. A few hours of missed direct sunlight is nothing to be alarmed about, as long as it’s making up for it with an equal amount of indirect sunlight. As they say, it’s the thought that counts!
All-Day Sun Is a No-No
Though your Swiss Chard may be thirsty for sun, too much of a good thing can spell disaster. Allowing your vegetable to be exposed to full sun for more than 8 hours a day can be too much for it. It may end up expending too much energy in the heat, leaving it too wilted to absorb all the sunlight it needs. Balance is key – keep those Romaine leaves fiery and happy!
What About Mature Plants?
Don’t worry – mature plants need a bit less sun that their younger kin. Once they’ve established themselves in the soil, lower amounts of direct sun and temperatures can spell an eternity of delicious, tender leaves. Just make sure you’re giving them at least 6 hours a day, you’ll have no trouble keeping them healthy.
In the end, knowing just how much sun your Swiss chard needs depends heavily on where you live. But as long as you’re providing at least 6 to 8 hours of direct sun exposure along with ample indirect sunlight all day, you’ll have a crop of Swiss chard that will make even the Swiss proud!