Chard Growth

[bananagirl]

I'm growing rainbow chard for the first time ever, and it's growing well, but I want to eat it now! How big should I let it get before I can start in on it?? Ta y'all :D

[bananagirl]

[Curryandchips]

If it is big enough to harvest, then dive in and enjoy it, for the plants will soon generate lots more growth, almost faster than you can pick it. The smaller leaves and stems are the most succulent anyway.

[cleo]

I`m with Curry-pick some very young and let some grow on. But leave the plants to grow back next season,you will get an early crop before they start to run to seed

[supersprout]

Would you pick it leaf by leaf, or cut the whole plant when young and leave to re-grow? ::)

[tim]

Noooooooooo!!

Outer leaves as needed. Always leave a third. And cut, low down, rather than tear.

[Mrs Ava]

Here here!  ;D  I have started picking 'gently' from my spring sown and planted seedlings.  They can take quite a beating I have found, and still come back for more!  I cut rather than tear also to prevent rotting the crown.  Do leave some plants to turn into trifids, those huge leaves are fabulous, and the lovely long stems are delcious with melted butter!  Baby leaves now are great in salads or slightly wilted or on a pizza.

[carloso]

err can i come for Tea Em

I said please lol

carl

[bananagirl]

WOOHOO!!! :o  I was down there today, weeding in prep for a rather late punkin patch, and I was so tempted to start in on the chards...they are looking lovely. I didn't know they would grow next year too. Thanks Cleo. Thanks y'all.