Rainline Garden

When to plant Swiss chard in Ellensburg, WA

Plant Swiss chard from seed, directly in the garden in Ellensburg, Apr 15 – Jun 10. For a fall harvest, plant again Jul 29 – Aug 12.

Easy Plant seeds in the ground

Why these dates

Ellensburg's typical last spring frost is April 28. As a cool-season crop that handles light frost, this crop doesn't need to wait for that date. In the Inland Northwest, though, the soil usually isn't ready to work until about April 15.

Inland Northwest. Higher, colder interior valleys. Cold springs and an earlier fall mean a shorter season; quick-maturing varieties pay off.

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 Apr 15 – Jun 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 Jul 29 – Aug 12 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 Ellensburg, WA?

Typically April 28. In 9 years out of 10, frost is over by May 12. These are 1991–2020 NOAA climate normals for Ellensburg Bowers Field.

Is it too late to plant Swiss chard in Ellensburg?

The spring planting window runs through June 10. If you miss it, plant again for fall from July 29 to August 12.

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 Ellensburg around the same time

Planting dates for Swiss chard in nearby areas

Full planting calendar for Ellensburg · Swiss chard in every city