When to plant Swiss chard in Baker City, OR

Plant Swiss chard from seed, directly in the garden in Baker City, Apr 27 – Jun 22. For a fall harvest, plant again Jul 7–21.

Easy Plant seeds in the ground

Why these dates

Baker City's typical last spring frost is May 25. As a cool-season crop that handles light frost, this crop can go in about 4 weeks before that.

High desert and mountains. Central and high eastern Oregon. Frost is possible almost any month. Use row covers, wall-o-water or cloches for warm crops, and choose short-season varieties.

Difficulty: Easy
Sun: Full sun to part shade
Spacing: 10 inches apart
Planting depth: ½ inch deep
Frost: Handles light frost
First harvest: About 55 days after planting

Step by step

Prepare the bed: loosen the soil and mix in an inch or two of compost.
Plant seeds Apr 27 – Jun 22, ½ inch deep, 10 inches apart.
Keep the soil evenly moist until sprouts appear, which can take one to three weeks in cool soil.
Plant again Jul 7–21 for a fall harvest.
Harvest: Cut outer stalks at the base. One planting keeps producing from early summer into winter.

Varieties that do well here

Bright Lights
Fordhook Giant
Rhubarb

Watch out for

Leaf miners, the same as beets. Remove spotted leaves early.

Handles both cool spring weather and summer heat; harvest outer leaves for months.

Common questions

When is the last frost in Baker City, OR?

Typically May 25. In 9 years out of 10, frost is over by June 16. These are 1991–2020 NOAA climate normals for Baker City Municipal Airport.

Is it too late to plant Swiss chard in Baker City?

The spring planting window runs through June 22. If you miss it, plant again for fall from July 7 to July 21.

How long until I can harvest Swiss chard?

About 55 days after planting. Cut outer stalks at the base. One planting keeps producing from early summer into winter.

Also plant in Baker City around the same time

Planting dates for Swiss chard in nearby areas

Bend and Redmond, OR May 12 – Jul 7
Klamath Falls, OR May 12 – Jul 7
Burns, OR May 14 – Jul 9

Full planting calendar for Baker City · Swiss chard in every city