Chard Seed Harvesting

A biennial (2 year) seed producing plant.

To save chard seeds for yearly replanting, we must allow a few healthy chard plants to complete their full life cycle, like many leafy greens, spans usually two years.

Chard is a biennial, meaning it grows leafy greens in the first year and produces seed only in the second. (Unless in extra heat it can bolt and produce first year but not as common and its under duress.)

In its second year, chard will send up tall stalks, often reaching 4–6 feet high. These may arch or fall under their own weight which is all natural. Along the stalks, clusters of tiny green knobs that look like miniature roundish beads will form. These are the maturing seed pods.

As their life cycle ends, the plant turns yellow, then browns, and dries, returning its energy to the seed. When it is fully dried and crisp to the touch the chard seeds will be ready to harvest.

Depending on your growing bio-region you can leave the chard in ground for the 2 years but if below zone 7, its best to up root the root ball and place in covered non-freezing area and replant for second year.

To Harvest Chard Seeds:

1. Wait for full dryness.
Harvest when the plant is completely dried and has died back naturally. If it has been rained on recently, wait until it’s fully dry again before harvesting to prevent mold or rot.

2. Cut or pull the plant.
Snip the seed stalk or pull the whole chard plant from the soil. Strip the seeds off the stalk and let them fall onto a tray, bowl, or basket.

3. Cure the seeds.
Let the seeds finish drying in open air for at least 2–3 weeks. Indoors or outdoors both work just make sure they are kept in a dry, shaded place with good airflow. Stir occasionally to prevent clumping or hidden moisture.

4. Store for the future.
Once fully dried, place the seeds in a paper envelope or glass jar with lid and store in a cool, dark, and dry location.

For long-term storage, seeds can be frozen in an airtight container. Just ensure they are fully dry first, as moisture will reduce viability.

Sow → Grow → Harvest → Shave Seed → Repeat ! #pfc

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