When to plant swiss chard in Canberra

Swiss chard is cold-hardy, so every date keys off Canberra's frost dates of Oct 10.
Step 1 · Sow
Start seeds indoors
Sep 12 – Oct 3
Before your last frost, on a warm windowsill or heat mat.
Step 2 · Plant
Transplant outdoors
Sep 26 – Oct 17
Once frost risk has passed and nights stay mild.
Step 3 · Harvest
Harvest window
Nov 15 – Nov 25
Picking runs until conditions turn against the crop.
Step 4 · Second sowing
Autumn / second sowing
Jan 18 – Feb 1
A second window for a fall crop, timed to mature before the first frost.
Step 5 · Second harvest
Autumn crop harvest
Mar 16 – Mar 26
Maturity window for the second sowing.
Window
Days to maturity
50 – 60 d
Canberra's 204-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
OCT 10
APR 28

Common questions

When can I sow swiss chard outdoors in Canberra?

Direct-sow around late September (Sep 26–Oct 17) in Canberra, based on its local frost dates. Confidence 83%.

When will swiss chard be ready to harvest in Canberra?

Expect to harvest from around mid November (Nov 15–Nov 25) in Canberra, based on its local frost dates. Confidence 75%.

When should I start swiss chard seeds indoors in Canberra?

Start seeds indoors around mid September (Sep 12–Oct 3) in Canberra, based on its local frost dates. Confidence 79%.

When can I transplant swiss chard outdoors in Canberra?

Transplant outdoors around late September (Sep 26–Oct 17) in Canberra, based on its local frost dates. Confidence 83%.

Can I plant swiss chard in autumn in Canberra?

Yes — Canberra supports a second, autumn sowing of swiss chard around mid January (Jan 18–Feb 1), timed to mature before the first fall frost.

How long is the growing season in Canberra?

Canberra has roughly 204 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 83/100 · Curated · based on NOAA GHCN-Daily 1991–2020 normal · frost dates are probabilities, not guarantees.