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When to Plant Swiss Chard in Marietta, North Carolina (28362)

Location

Marietta, North Carolina

ZIP Code

28362

USDA Zone

8b

Last Frost

Sunday, March 15, 2026

📅 Your 2026 Planting Dates

Direct Sow Outdoors

Sunday, February 15, 2026

Based on last frost Sunday, March 15, 2026 · Zone 8b

Pro tip: Sow Swiss Chard directly outdoors 4 weeks before your last frost date.

🌿 Plant Details

Scientific Name Beta vulgaris subsp. vulgaris
Days to Maturity 55 days
Mature Height 18-24"
Spread 12"
Type Leaf
Fruit Size N/A

☀️ Growing Requirements

☀️

Sun

Full Sun to Partial Shade

💧

Water

Regular (1-1.5 inches/week)

↔️

Spacing

8" apart

🌱

Planting Depth

0.5" deep

Seeds typically germinate in 5-10 days

Ready to Plant Swiss Chard in Marietta?

Get your seeds now so they're ready by Sunday, February 15, 2026.

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🤝 Good Companions

BeetOnionBeanCabbage

⚠️ Avoid Planting Near

LeekCorn
🤝

Full Companion Planting Guide for Swiss Chard

See which plants help Swiss Chard thrive, which to keep away, and raised bed layout tips →

🛠️ Supplies You'll Need

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🌾 Seed Saving Guide

🟡 Moderate
✅ Open-pollinated — seeds grow true to parent

When to Harvest Seed

Swiss chard is biennial — harvest seed stalks in year 2 when seeds are dry and tan.

Processing

Strip dried seed clusters, rub to separate, store as clusters (like beet seeds).

Seed Viability

Up to 4 years when stored cool, dark, and dry.

Pro Tip

Swiss chard and beets are the same species — they cross via wind pollen. Don't save seed from both in the same year.

🪴

Raised Bed Planting Guides

A 4×8 bed fits 72 plants of Swiss Chard. See plant counts, spacing grids, and companion pairings for every bed size →

Frequently Asked Questions

When should I plant Swiss Chard in Marietta, North Carolina? +

In Marietta (Zone 8b), direct sow Swiss Chard outdoors around Sunday, February 15, 2026.

What is the last frost date for Marietta, North Carolina? +

The average last spring frost date for Marietta, North Carolina (ZIP 28362) is around Sunday, March 15, 2026. This is based on NOAA climate normals for USDA Zone 8b.

How long does Swiss Chard take to grow? +

Swiss Chard typically matures in about 55 days from direct sowing. In Marietta, that means you can expect harvest around Sunday, February 15, 2026 plus 55 days.

Should I start Swiss Chard indoors or direct sow in North Carolina? +

Swiss Chard does best when direct sown outdoors. In Marietta, sow directly around Sunday, February 15, 2026.

Other Plants for Marietta

Growing Swiss Chard in Zone 8b

Swiss Chard (Beta vulgaris subsp. vulgaris) is a popular garden vegetable. In Marietta, North Carolina, which is in USDA Hardiness Zone 8b, you should direct sow seeds around Sunday, February 15, 2026.

Your average last frost date is Sunday, March 15, 2026. Swiss Chard grows well when direct sown, as it doesn't transplant well or germinates quickly outdoors.