When to plant swiss chard in Lincoln

Swiss chard is cold-hardy, so every date keys off Lincoln's frost dates of Apr 25.
Step 1 · Sow
Start seeds indoors
Mar 28 – Apr 18
Before your last frost, on a warm windowsill or heat mat.
Step 2 · Plant
Transplant outdoors
Apr 11 – May 2
Once frost risk has passed and nights stay mild.
Step 3 · Harvest
Harvest window
May 31 – Jun 10
Picking runs until conditions turn against the crop.
Step 4 · Second sowing
Autumn / second sowing
Jul 3 – Jul 17
A second window for a fall crop, timed to mature before the first frost.
Step 5 · Second harvest
Autumn crop harvest
Aug 29 – Sep 8
Maturity window for the second sowing.
Window
Days to maturity
50 – 60 d
Lincoln's 167-day season leaves this much room.
Swiss chard on Lincoln'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 25
OCT 11

Common questions

When can I sow swiss chard outdoors in Lincoln?

Direct-sow around mid April (Apr 11–May 2) in Lincoln, based on its local frost dates. Confidence 89%.

When will swiss chard be ready to harvest in Lincoln?

Expect to harvest from around late May (May 31–Jun 10) in Lincoln, based on its local frost dates. Confidence 80%.

When should I start swiss chard seeds indoors in Lincoln?

Start seeds indoors around late March (Mar 28–Apr 18) in Lincoln, based on its local frost dates. Confidence 85%.

When can I transplant swiss chard outdoors in Lincoln?

Transplant outdoors around mid April (Apr 11–May 2) in Lincoln, based on its local frost dates. Confidence 89%.

Can I plant swiss chard in autumn in Lincoln?

Yes — Lincoln supports a second, autumn sowing of swiss chard around early July (Jul 3–Jul 17), timed to mature before the first fall frost.

How long is the growing season in Lincoln?

Lincoln has roughly 167 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 Lincoln's frost dates.

Confidence 89/100 · Curated · based on NOAA GHCN-Daily 1991–2020 normal · frost dates are probabilities, not guarantees.