When to plant Swiss chard in Olympia, WA

Plant Swiss chard from seed, directly in the garden in Olympia, Apr 1 – May 27. For a fall harvest, plant again Aug 5–19.

Easy Plant seeds in the ground

Why these dates

Olympia's typical last spring frost is April 29. As a cool-season crop that handles light frost, this crop can go in about 4 weeks before that.

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

Prepare the bed: loosen the soil and mix in an inch or two of compost.
Plant seeds Apr 1 – May 27, 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 Aug 5–19 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 Olympia, WA?

Typically April 29. In 9 years out of 10, frost is over by May 15. These are 1991–2020 NOAA climate normals for Olympia Airport.

Is it too late to plant Swiss chard in Olympia?

The spring planting window runs through May 27. If you miss it, plant again for fall from August 5 to August 19.

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 Olympia around the same time

Planting dates for Swiss chard in nearby areas

Portland, OR Mar 15 – May 10
Gresham, OR Mar 15 – May 10
Wilsonville and Canby, OR Mar 15 – May 10
Salem, OR Mar 15 – May 10
Eugene, OR Mar 15 – May 10
Roseburg, OR Mar 15 – May 10

Full planting calendar for Olympia · Swiss chard in every city