When to plant swiss chard in zone 10a — planting calendar

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Showing USDA Zone 10A

Growing SeasonZone 10a

Last frost ~Jan 31First frost ~Dec 15Today

Start indoorsTransplant / sowHarvestFrost risk

DECJANFEBMARAPRMAYJUNJUL

Start indoors Jan 3 · Sow Jan 17 · First harvest Mar 8 · Wrap by Jun 28

Last spring frostJan 31

Start seeds indoorsJan 3

Direct sowJan 17

First harvestMar 8

Last harvestJun 28

Fall succession sowOct 6

First fall frostDec 15

Why these dates work in zone 10a

Zone 10a's last spring frost averages Jan 31 and first fall frost Dec 15 — about 318 frost-free days. Swiss Chard tolerates light frost, so you can sow ahead of the last-frost date and keep harvesting into the cooler fall. Starting seeds indoors 4 weeks ahead gives strong transplants ready the moment the soil warms. There's also room for a fall succession sowing around Oct 6 for a second harvest before frost.

Common questions

How long does swiss chard take to grow in zone 10a?

Swiss Chard matures in about 50–60 days from sowing. In zone 10a that means sowing around Jan 17 and first picking around Mar 8.

Will swiss chard survive frost in zone 10a?

Yes — swiss chard tolerates light frost. In zone 10a you can sow a little before the last frost (around Jan 31) and keep harvesting past the first fall frost (around Dec 15).

Can I plant a second crop of swiss chard in zone 10a?

Yes — in zone 10a there's time for a fall sowing around Oct 6 for a second harvest before frost.

For soil, spacing, pests and companion planting, see the full swiss chard growing guide →