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When to plant swiss chard in Chicago

Swiss chard is cold-hardy, so every date keys off Chicago's frost dates of Apr 10.
Step 1 · Sow
Start seeds indoors
Mar 13 – Apr 3
Before your last frost, on a warm windowsill or heat mat.
Step 2 · Plant
Transplant outdoors
Apr 8 – Apr 29
Once frost risk has passed and nights stay mild.
Step 3 · Harvest
Harvest window
May 28 – Jun 7
Picking runs until conditions turn against the crop.
Step 4 · Second sowing
Autumn / second sowing
Jul 20 – Aug 3
A second window for a fall crop, timed to mature before the first frost.
Step 5 · Second harvest
Autumn crop harvest
Sep 15 – Sep 25
Maturity window for the second sowing.
Window
Days to maturity
50 – 60 d
Chicago's 206-day season leaves this much room.
Swiss chard on Chicago'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
APR 10
OCT 31

Common questions

When can I sow swiss chard outdoors in Chicago?

Direct-sow around early April (Apr 8–Apr 29) in Chicago, based on its local frost dates. Confidence 81%.

When will swiss chard be ready to harvest in Chicago?

Expect to harvest from around late May (May 28–Jun 7) in Chicago, based on its local frost dates. Confidence 76%.

When should I start swiss chard seeds indoors in Chicago?

Start seeds indoors around mid March (Mar 13–Apr 3) in Chicago, based on its local frost dates. Confidence 80%.

When can I transplant swiss chard outdoors in Chicago?

Transplant outdoors around early April (Apr 8–Apr 29) in Chicago, based on its local frost dates. Confidence 81%.

Can I plant swiss chard in autumn in Chicago?

Yes — Chicago supports a second, autumn sowing of swiss chard around mid July (Jul 20–Aug 3), timed to mature before the first fall frost.

How long is the growing season in Chicago?

Chicago has roughly 206 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 Chicago's frost dates.

Confidence 84/100 · Curated · based on NOAA GHCN-Daily 1991–2020 normal · frost dates are probabilities, not guarantees.
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