Pink Lipstick Swiss Chard features electric, eye-catching hot-pink stems that add a pop of color to any dish or garden. Combining both beauty and taste, the large, glossy, dark green leaves are tender and packed with vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants, while the contrasting pink stems offer a slightly sweet and earthy flavor. Use Pink Lipstick Swiss Chard in salads, stir-fries, soups, or sautés to add a delightful crunch and vibrant color to your dishes. The leaves can be cooked like spinach or kale, while the stems can be chopped and sautéed for a colorful side dish or pickled for a tangy treat. Also Known As: Pink Passion Swiss Chard, Hot Pink Swiss Chard, Flamingo Swiss Chard, Magenta Sunset, Silverbeet, Chard, Leaf Beef, Seakale Beet, Roman Kale, Perpetual Spinach, Mangold, Spinach Beet We ship in 1 business day. Shipped with USPS First Class Mail. Plant Name: Swiss Chard, Pink Lipstick Latin Name: Beta vulgaris Days to Germinate: 7-14 Days to Harvest: 55 Germination Rate: 85% Test Date: 11/23 Growth Habit: Root USDA Zones: 2-12 Lifespan: Biennial Country of Origin: United States Sunlight: Full Sun, Partial Shade GMO: No Pollination: Heirloom, Open-Pollinated Fungicide-Treated Seeds*: No Seeds Packed For**: 2024 *Fungicide-treated seeds protect the seedlings from diseases until they are up and growing. Do not eat treated seeds. **Seeds are freshly packed for the growing season of the year listed. Seeds are still viable beyond pack date. Store in a cool and dry location such as the refrigerator or basement to best preserve germination rates. Planting Instructions: Soil Preparation and Fertilizing: Swiss chard is a cool-season crop and does well in the cool temperatures of Spring and Fall. Swiss chard can tolerate a wide range of soils. To prepare the soil, clear the area of rocks, trash, and large sticks. Small pieces of grass and leaves can be mixed into the soil to make it richer. Spade the soil 8-10 inches deep and completely cover plant material. You may optionally scatter 1 cup of a complete fertilizer on the soil for each 10 feet of row to be planted. If soil has a lot of tight clay, you may optionally add compost after adding fertilizer and rake into top 4 inches of soil. Rake the soil until it is smooth and work the beds into 4-6-inch-tall raised ridges to allow soil to drain and let air enter soil. Planting: In southern states, swiss chard can be grown all winter. Soil temperature should be at least 50F for seeds to sprout. Use a hoe handle or stick to make a 1/2 inch furrow deep down the center of the ridge. Plant 1-2 seeds in the furrows spaced 12 inches apart within the rows. Cover lightly with loose soil then sprinkle with water. In hot weather, you may optionally cover seed with sands or light-colored mulch. Planting Depth: 1/2 inch Within-Row Spacing: 12 inches Between-Row Spacing: 2 -3 feet Care During the Season: Watering: Water plants moderately. If the soil moisture is low, water but avoid waterlogging soil. Try to avoid wetting foliage to prevent diseases. Weeding: Keep plants free of weeds, which rob weak root systems of nutrients and moisture. Thinning: Thin swiss chard plants to about 8-12 inches apart in rows if direct seeding. Insecticides: Insecticides may be used to protect plants. Bt-based insecticides and sulfur are organic options that can be used for prevention. Sevin is a synthetic option. Sulfur also has fungicidal properties and helps in controlling many diseases. Before using a pesticide, please read the label and always follow cautions, warnings and directions. Diseases: Disease can happen in cloudy, damp weather. Check plants daily and treat with an approved fungicide if diseases do appear. Neem oil, sulfur, and other fungicides are available for use. Please always follow label directions. Harvesting: Swiss chard are ready to harvest in 50-60 days after planting and can be harvested when they are about 4-5 inches long by cutting at the base. Try to avoid cutting the stems of the inner leaves. Leave the smaller leaves for a later harvest and keep the growing crown base intact. Harvest mature leaves to stimulate growth of new leaves. Nutrition Facts: Swiss chard Amount Per 1 cup (36 g) Calories 7 % Daily Value* Total Fat 0.1 g 0% Saturated fat 0 g 0% Cholesterol 0 mg 0% Sodium 77 mg 3% Potassium 136 mg 3% Total Carbohydrate 1.3 g 0% Dietary fiber 0.6 g 2% Sugar 0.4 g Protein 0.6 g 1% Vitamin C 18% Calcium 1% Iron 3% Vitamin D 0% Vitamin B6 0% Cobalamin 0% Magnesium 7% *Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily values may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs. Shipping Policy: We ship in 1 business day via USPS First Class Mail! 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