SWISS CHARD/MANGOLD

pH: 6-7.5
Plant spacing: 30-30 cm (15-20 plants/m2)
Germination time and temperature: 4-5 days; 25-30 °C optimal
Growth time: 25-35 days
Temperature: 16-24 °C
Light exposure: full sun (partial shade for temperatures > 26 °C)
Plant height and width: 30-60 cm; 30-40 cm
Recommended aquaponic method: media beds, NFT pipes and DWC

Growing Swiss chard in aquaponic units: Swiss chard is an extremely popular leafy green vegetable to grow using aquaponics and it thrives with all three aquaponic methods. It is a moderate nitrate feeder and requires lower concentrations of potassium and phosphorus than fruiting vegetables, which makes it an ideal plant for aquaponics. Owing to its high market value, its fast growth rate and its nutritional content, Swiss chard is frequently grown in commercial aquaponic systems. Foliage is green to dark green, but the stems can have striking and attractive colours of yellow, purple or red.

Growing conditions: Swiss chard optimal temperatures are 16-24 °C, while the minimum temperature for growth is 5 °C. Although traditionally a late-winter/spring crop (tolerating moderate frosts), Swiss chard may also grow well in full sun during mild summer seasons. A shading net is suggested at higher temperatures. Swiss chard has a moderate tolerance to salinity, which makes it an ideal plant for saline water.

Growing instructions: Swiss chard seeds produce more than one seedling; therefore, thinning is required as the seedlings begin to grow. As plants become senescent during the season, older leaves can be removed to encourage new growth.
Harvesting: Swiss chard leaves can be continuously cut whenever they reach harvestable sizes. The removal of larger leaves favours the growth of new ones. Avoid damaging the growing point in the centre of the plant at harvest.