Swiss chard - has it bolted?

eris · Rank attained: Hazel Tree Joined: 08 Jul 2009 Posts: 5

Hi - This is my first time growing swiss chard and this is how it looks (see pic.), with leaves growing off a central stem. It looks nothing like the picture on the pack, where it grows low and has red stems and veins. The variety is Galaxy from Gro-sure, supposedly with 'guaranteed results.' Has it bolted and if it has, can anyone explain why?

Also it has been invaded by some bug which has left two or three little maggots on many leaves, which they've eaten in part. (See other pic.)

tippben · Posted: Wed Jul 13, 2011 4:39 am Post subject:

I don't think it has bolted. That usually happens in the second year, and you end up with a huge thick stem, about 2" across. I can't see any signs of flowering from the pictures. I think that the very close planting has caused them to grow tall, and not wide. Personally, I'd harvest every second plant, then do so again in a month, and leave the rest for winter greens.

Regarding the colour, you just got a duff packet of seed. I assume you were trying to grow "Bright Lights", but you have green "Perpetual Spinach" instead. Don't worry! They mightn't be as pretty, but they will taste exactly the same.

I always grow mine about 12 to 18" apart, as they get large, and can provide greens for 18 months. I just continually pick the outer leaves, and pull them up when they start to bolt the next year. Then I make minestrone with the leavings...

Oh, and the bug damage, I'm not sure which kind of caterpillar it is, but just cut off the affected leaves and chuck em in the compost. More will grow to replace them.

eris · Rank attained: Hazel Tree Joined: 08 Jul 2009 Posts: 5

Thanks for the advice, Tippben. I didn't realise that it would last into a second year, nor that the plants have such a spread. I seem to have an inherent reluctance to thin.

MichaelF · Rank attained: Hazel Tree Joined: 22 Jul 2011 Posts: 3

Eris
Everything Tippben said is correct but SC can bolt early if they're subjected to dry weather iin early life. My seedlings bolted prematurely this year & last both during dry springs. SC do like constant rain. You'll know if it's bolted if it produces a seed head. If it has you'll get some, inferior leaves from it, but don't leave it into the next year it'll just be wood.