Chard: An Ideal Container Plant for Southern California and Other Mild Winter Areas

Chard may be the best green for new gardeners or those who have had difficulty growing other greens, and it adapts well to container gardening. Ideal growing temperatures for chard are about 55°F to 75°F, making it an ideal cool season vegetable for much of Southern California.

Chard adapts well to container gardening; all varieties are suitable for growing in containers. Start seeds directly outdoors in containers and keep containers in full sun. Move containers to a protected location during periods of particularly cold weather, such as during threats of frost, and keep soil moist but not wet. Most varieties of chard will bolt prematurely during cold weather or dry soil conditions. GardenZeus recommends 5-gallon or larger nursery pots or other containers with at least 10 to 12 inches of soil depth. Thin to 1 to 2 plants per 5-gallon pot if growing chard to full size, or a few plants per pot if harvesting entire plants before maturity.

See Chard, General for complete growing information about chard.

Other articles of interest:

GardenZeus Tips for Container Vegetable Gardening for general information and tips about growing vegetables and herbs in containers.

Chard Varieties for Mediterranean Gardens

Garden Oatmeal: An Overabundance of Kale and Chard