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← How to grow swiss chard
Planting Calendar · Zone 4A

When to plant swiss chard in zone 4a

In USDA zone 4a, start swiss chard seeds indoors around Apr 9, transplant outdoors Apr 23, and harvest from Jun 12.

Growing SeasonZone 4a
Last frost ~May 7First frost ~Oct 13Today
Start indoorsTransplant / sowHarvestFrost risk
MARAPRMAYJUNJULAUGSEPOCT
Start indoors Apr 9 · Sow Apr 23 · First harvest Jun 12 · Wrap by Oct 2
Last spring frostMay 7
Start seeds indoorsApr 9
Direct sowApr 23
First harvestJun 12
Last harvestOct 2
Fall succession sowAug 4
First fall frostOct 13

Why these dates work in zone 4a

Zone 4a's last spring frost averages May 7 and first fall frost Oct 13 — about 159 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 Aug 4 for a second harvest before frost.

Common questions

How long does swiss chard take to grow in zone 4a?

Swiss Chard matures in about 50–60 days from sowing. In zone 4a that means sowing around Apr 23 and first picking around Jun 12.

Will swiss chard survive frost in zone 4a?

Yes — swiss chard tolerates light frost. In zone 4a you can sow a little before the last frost (around May 7) and keep harvesting past the first fall frost (around Oct 13).

Can I plant a second crop of swiss chard in zone 4a?

Yes — in zone 4a there's time for a fall sowing around Aug 4 for a second harvest before frost.

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