When to plant swiss chard in Canberra
Swiss chard is cold-hardy, so every date keys off Canberra's frost dates of Oct 20.
Step 1 · Sow
Start seeds indoors
Sep 22 – Oct 13
Before your last frost, on a warm windowsill or heat mat.
Step 2 · Plant
Transplant outdoors
Oct 6 – Oct 27
Once frost risk has passed and nights stay mild.
Step 3 · Harvest
Harvest window
Nov 25 – Dec 5
Picking runs until conditions turn against the crop.
Window
Days to maturity
50 – 60 d
Canberra's 182-day season leaves this much room.
Swiss chard on Canberra's growing year
Frost-bounded season with crops mapped onto the 12-month axis.
Frost risk Growing Harvest
JAN
FEB
MAR
APR
MAY
JUN
JUL
AUG
SEP
OCT
NOV
DEC
FROST
OCT 20
APR 20
Common questions
When can I sow swiss chard outdoors in Canberra?
Direct-sow around early October (Oct 6–Oct 27) in Canberra, based on its local frost dates. Confidence 82%.
When will swiss chard be ready to harvest in Canberra?
Expect to harvest from around late November (Nov 25–Dec 5) in Canberra, based on its local frost dates. Confidence 74%.
When should I start swiss chard seeds indoors in Canberra?
Start seeds indoors around late September (Sep 22–Oct 13) in Canberra, based on its local frost dates. Confidence 78%.
When can I transplant swiss chard outdoors in Canberra?
Transplant outdoors around early October (Oct 6–Oct 27) in Canberra, based on its local frost dates. Confidence 82%.
How long is the growing season in Canberra?
Canberra has roughly 182 frost-free days, which is enough time to grow swiss chard to maturity outdoors.
The rule of thumb
Sow swiss chard as soon as the soil is workable — it tolerates cool weather and light frost. Every date on this page is derived from that rule and Canberra's frost dates.
Confidence 82/100 · NOAA GHCN-Daily · 1991–2020 normals · frost dates are probabilities, not guarantees.