When to plant Swiss chard in Spokane, WA

Plant Swiss chard from seed, directly in the garden in Spokane, Apr 15 – Jun 10. For a fall harvest, plant again Aug 3–17.

Easy Plant seeds in the ground

Why these dates

Spokane's typical last spring frost is April 26. 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

Prepare the bed: loosen the soil and mix in an inch or two of compost.
Plant seeds Apr 15 – Jun 10, 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 3–17 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 Spokane, WA?

Typically April 26. In 9 years out of 10, frost is over by May 10. These are 1991–2020 NOAA climate normals for Spokane International Airport.

Is it too late to plant Swiss chard in Spokane?

The spring planting window runs through June 10. If you miss it, plant again for fall from August 3 to August 17.

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 Spokane around the same time

Planting dates for Swiss chard in nearby areas

Ellensburg, WA Apr 15 – Jun 10
Omak and Okanogan, WA Apr 15 – Jun 10

Full planting calendar for Spokane · Swiss chard in every city