Rainline Garden

When to plant Swiss chard in Bellingham, WA

Plant Swiss chard from seed, directly in the garden in Bellingham, Mar 15 – May 10. For a fall harvest, plant again Aug 6–20.

Easy Plant seeds in the ground

Why these dates

Bellingham's typical last spring frost is March 31. As a cool-season crop that handles light frost, this crop doesn't need to wait for that date. In the west-side valleys, though, the soil usually isn't ready to work until about March 15.

West-side valleys. The Willamette Valley, Puget Sound and southern Oregon valleys. Long frost-free seasons, but soil stays cold and wet into May, so warm crops wait for warm soil, not just the last frost.

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

  1. Prepare the bed: loosen the soil and mix in an inch or two of compost.
  2. Plant seeds Mar 15 – May 10, ½ inch deep, 10 inches apart.
  3. Keep the soil evenly moist until sprouts appear, which can take one to three weeks in cool soil.
  4. Plant again Aug 6–20 for a fall harvest.
  5. 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 Bellingham, WA?

Typically March 31. In 9 years out of 10, frost is over by April 18. These are 1991–2020 NOAA climate normals for Bellingham International Airport.

Is it too late to plant Swiss chard in Bellingham?

The spring planting window runs through May 10. If you miss it, plant again for fall from August 6 to August 20.

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 Bellingham around the same time

Planting dates for Swiss chard in nearby areas

Full planting calendar for Bellingham · Swiss chard in every city