Swiss Chard Perpetual Spinach

Despite its name, "Perpetual Spinach" is actually a type of Swiss chard. An old, Italian heirloom, this variety is also known as 'Bietola a Costa Fine' which means 'Swiss chard with thin ribs' in Italian. Becuase it is slower to bolt in hot weather, this variety is a perfect choice for warmer climates. Great as both baby greens and full size. Buon appetito!

Coverage	This packet sows up to 26 feet.
Row Spacing	18"
Seed Depth	1/2"
Seed Spacing	A group of 2 seeds every 8"
Thinning	When 1/2" tall, thin to 1 every 8"
Germination	5-10 days
Start Indoors	4 to 6 weeks before transplanting out, 2 to 4 weeks before your average last frost date (protect from heavy freezes).
Direct Sow	RECOMMENDED. 2 to 4 weeks before your average last frost date and when soil temperature is at least 40°F, ideally 75°-90°F. Sow as late as 2 months before first fall frost. Mild Climates: Sow in fall.
Special Sowing	For growing as baby greens, broadcast seeds about 1" apart in wide bands.
Special Care	Swiss chard "seed" is actually a dried fruit with several seeds, therefore, seedlings may emerge closely, making early thinning important. Thin newly emerged seedlings by pinching or cutting them off at the soil surface, to minimize disturbance to neighboring plants. Cultivate very lightly, as roots are close to the surface. Mulch soil surface when plants are 2" high to keep roots cool and moist. If the plant starts to bolt during the summer, cut off the flower stalk. Rotate Swiss chard (and others in the Amaranthaceae Family) location so they are not grown in the same area more than once every 3 years.
Growing & Harvesting	Pick up to 1/3 of the outer leaves as needed, and let more leaves grow from the center of the plant; or, if desired, harvest the whole plant 2" above ground, and it will grow back. Pick very young leaves, at 2"-4" for using fresh in salads.

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