{"product_id":"bright-lights-swiss-chard","title":"Bright Lights Swiss Chard Seeds","description":"\u003cp data-path-to-node=\"1\"\u003e\u003cb data-path-to-node=\"1\" data-index-in-node=\"0\"\u003eBeta vulgaris subsp. cicla Bright Lights Swiss Chard\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-path-to-node=\"2\"\u003eBeta vulgaris subsp. \u003cspan class=\"citation-78 citation-end-78\"\u003ecicla Bright Lights Swiss Chard is a prestigious, All-America Selections Winner valued for its spectacular, multi-colored stems and mild, delicious flavor.\u003csup class=\"superscript\" data-turn-source-index=\"1\"\u003e\u003c!----\u003e\u003c\/sup\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e Growing to about 12 to 20 inches tall with a spread of 18 to 24 inches, this variety is perfect for vegetable gardens, ornamental borders, and container plantings where both culinary utility and visual impact are desired. \u003cspan class=\"citation-77 citation-end-77\"\u003eUnlike standard white chard, Bright Lights produces a dazzling array of stem colors—including gold, pink, orange, purple, red, and white—that brighten up the garden from early spring through late fall while providing a continuous harvest of nutritious greens.\u003csup class=\"superscript\" data-turn-source-index=\"2\"\u003e\u003c\/sup\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-path-to-node=\"2\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-path-to-node=\"2\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan class=\"citation-77 citation-end-77\"\u003eCulinary and Practical Uses\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli data-path-to-node=\"2\"\u003e\u003cspan class=\"citation-77 citation-end-77\"\u003eThe tender young leaves are excellent for fresh salads, adding a pop of color and a mild, spinach-like flavor without the bitterness often associated with older chard.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli data-path-to-node=\"2\"\u003e\u003cspan class=\"citation-77 citation-end-77\"\u003eThe thick, crunchy stalks can be chopped and sautéed like celery or asparagus, while the large leaves are perfect for steaming, braising, or stuffing.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli data-path-to-node=\"2\"\u003e\u003cspan class=\"citation-77 citation-end-77\"\u003eA nutritional powerhouse rich in vitamins A, C, and K, as well as magnesium and potassium, making it a staple for healthy, vibrant meals.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-path-to-node=\"5\"\u003e\u003cb data-path-to-node=\"5\" data-index-in-node=\"0\"\u003eCharacteristics\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli data-path-to-node=\"5\"\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eFoliage:\u003c\/strong\u003e Large, savoyed (crinkled) dark green to bronze leaves with contrasting bright veins; the stems come in a vivid mix of yellow, gold, orange, pink, violet, red, and white.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli data-path-to-node=\"5\"\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eGrowth Habit:\u003c\/strong\u003e Upright, vase-shaped rosette that grows vigorously; widely considered the standard for rainbow chard due to its uniform growth and intense coloration.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli data-path-to-node=\"5\"\u003e\n\u003cb data-path-to-node=\"6,2,0\" data-index-in-node=\"0\"\u003eFlowers:\u003c\/b\u003e As a biennial, it typically does not flower in the first year; if overwintered, it produces tall spikes of insignificant greenish flowers in the second spring, which attract pollinators but signal the end of leaf quality.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli data-path-to-node=\"5\"\u003e\n\u003cb data-path-to-node=\"6,3,0\" data-index-in-node=\"0\"\u003eSeeds:\u003c\/b\u003e Harvested from dried flower stalks in the second year; the corky seed clusters often contain multiple seeds, requiring thinning after germination.\u003cstrong\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eGrowing Requirements\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cb data-path-to-node=\"8,0,0\" data-index-in-node=\"0\"\u003eSun:\u003c\/b\u003e Thrives in full sun to partial shade; tolerates shade better than most leafy greens, though colors are most vivid with at least 4 to 6 hours of direct sunlight.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cb data-path-to-node=\"8,1,0\" data-index-in-node=\"0\"\u003eSoil:\u003c\/b\u003e Adapts to most soil types but prefers fertile, well-draining, loamy soil rich in organic matter with a pH between 6.0 and 7.0.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cb data-path-to-node=\"8,2,0\" data-index-in-node=\"0\"\u003eWater:\u003c\/b\u003e Requires consistent, moderate watering; maintaining even soil moisture is crucial to prevent the stalks from becoming tough or stringy.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cb data-path-to-node=\"8,3,0\" data-index-in-node=\"0\"\u003eSpacing:\u003c\/b\u003e Plant seeds or transplants 6 to 12 inches apart to allow for full leaf development and airflow; closer spacing yields smaller, baby-leaf plants.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cb data-path-to-node=\"8,4,0\" data-index-in-node=\"0\"\u003eMaintenance:\u003c\/b\u003e Harvest outer leaves continuously using the \"cut-and-come-again\" method to encourage new growth from the center; mulch to keep roots cool and suppress weeds.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cb data-path-to-node=\"9\" data-index-in-node=\"0\"\u003eShipping Info\u003c\/b\u003e Bright Lights Swiss Chard seeds ship as fresh, high-quality, viable seeds that are carefully packaged for stability and protection from damage during transit. Prompt shipping supports reliable germination and seasonally appropriate planting.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Blossomdale","offers":[{"title":"125 Seeds","offer_id":51773414310167,"sku":"40003597","price":4.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0694\/5416\/8343\/files\/Bright_Lights_Swiss_Chard_1.jpg?v=1767564512","url":"https:\/\/blossomdale.com\/products\/bright-lights-swiss-chard","provider":"Blossomdale","version":"1.0","type":"link"}