Beta vulgaris subsp. cicla var. flavescens 'Rhubarb Chard'
chard 'Rhubarb Chard'
A rosette-forming biennial, which may be grown as a vegetable, or for ornamental effect. The large, broadly triangular, deeply puckered leaves are dark green tinged with purple, with bright red stems and midribs. Leaves may be picked small for salads or cooked when mature, using the stems like celery and the blades like spinach. Plants left for a second year produce tall, leafy stems topped with narrowly conical sprays of small, green flowers in spring or summer
Size
Ultimate height
0.5–1 metresTime to ultimate height
1–2 yearsUltimate spread
0.1–0.5 metresGrowing conditions
Moisture
Moist but well–drainedpH
Acid, Alkaline, NeutralColour & scent
| Stem | Flower | Foliage | Fruit | |
| Spring | Green | Green Red | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Summer | Green | Green Red | ||
| Autumn | Green Red | |||
| Winter | Green Red |
Position
- Full sun
- Partial shade
Aspect
East–facing or South–facing or West–facing
Exposure
Sheltered Hardiness
H3Botanical details
- Family
- Amaranthaceae
- Native to GB / Ireland
- No
- Foliage
- Deciduous
- Habit
- Clump forming
- Genus
Beta can be annual, biennial or perennial plants, often with rosettes of basal leaves and thick, fleshy roots. The genus includes a range of wild species, as well as cultivated food crops such as beetroot, chard and sugar beet
- Name status
Accepted
How to grow
Cultivation
If sown in mid-spring and mid-summer can crop almost year round, with some winter protection. Grows best in rich, light but moisture retentive soil in sun or semi-shade. Water well in dry spells. See Grow your own chard
Propagation
Propagate by seed. See sowing vegetable seeds
Suggested planting locations and garden types
- Coastal
- Cottage and informal garden
- Patio and container plants
- Bedding
- Flower borders and beds
Pruning
No pruning required
Pests
May be susceptible to beet leaf miner
Diseases
May be susceptible to downy mildews and grey moulds
Beta vulgaris subsp. cicla var. flavescens 'Rhubarb Chard'
chard 'Rhubarb Chard'
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