When to Plant Swiss Chard in Madison, Wisconsin (53708)

Location

Madison, Wisconsin

ZIP Code

53708

USDA Zone

Last Frost

Saturday, April 25, 2026

📅 Your 2026 Planting Dates

Direct Sow Outdoors

Saturday, March 28, 2026

Based on last frost Saturday, April 25, 2026 · Zone 5b

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

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🌿 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 Madison?

Get your seeds now so they're ready by Saturday, March 28, 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

🪵 Raised Garden Bed 🌍 Vegetable Garden Soil 🛠️ Hand Trowel Set 🚿 Watering Can

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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 Madison, Wisconsin? +

In Madison (Zone 5b), direct sow Swiss Chard outdoors around Saturday, March 28, 2026.

What is the last frost date for Madison, Wisconsin? +

The average last spring frost date for Madison, Wisconsin (ZIP 53708) is around Saturday, April 25, 2026. This is based on NOAA climate normals for USDA Zone 5b.

How long does Swiss Chard take to grow? +

Swiss Chard typically matures in about 55 days from direct sowing. In Madison, that means you can expect harvest around Saturday, March 28, 2026 plus 55 days.

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

Swiss Chard does best when direct sown outdoors. In Madison, sow directly around Saturday, March 28, 2026.

📚 More Swiss Chard Planting Guides

🗺️

Swiss Chard in Wisconsin

Zone-by-zone breakdown · Full state guide

→ 🌡️

Zone 5b Swiss Chard Guide

All cities in your zone · Avg dates

→

Other Plants for Madison

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Growing Swiss Chard in Zone 5b

Swiss Chard (Beta vulgaris subsp. vulgaris) is a popular garden vegetable. In Madison, Wisconsin, which is in USDA Hardiness Zone 5b, you should direct sow seeds around Saturday, March 28, 2026.

Your average last frost date is Saturday, April 25, 2026. Swiss Chard grows well when direct sown, as it doesn't transplant well or germinates quickly outdoors.