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When to Plant Swiss Chard in Haiku, Hawaii (96708)

Location

Haiku, Hawaii

ZIP Code

96708

USDA Zone

12a

Last Frost

Thursday, January 1, 2026

📅 Your 2026 Planting Dates

Direct Sow Outdoors

Thursday, December 4, 2025

Based on last frost Thursday, January 1, 2026 · Zone 12a

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 Haiku?

Get your seeds now so they're ready by Thursday, December 4, 2025.

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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 Haiku, Hawaii? +

In Haiku (Zone 12a), direct sow Swiss Chard outdoors around Thursday, December 4, 2025.

What is the last frost date for Haiku, Hawaii? +

The average last spring frost date for Haiku, Hawaii (ZIP 96708) is around Thursday, January 1, 2026. This is based on NOAA climate normals for USDA Zone 12a.

How long does Swiss Chard take to grow? +

Swiss Chard typically matures in about 55 days from direct sowing. In Haiku, that means you can expect harvest around Thursday, December 4, 2025 plus 55 days.

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

Swiss Chard does best when direct sown outdoors. In Haiku, sow directly around Thursday, December 4, 2025.

Other Plants for Haiku

Growing Swiss Chard in Zone 12a

Swiss Chard (Beta vulgaris subsp. vulgaris) is a popular garden vegetable. In Haiku, Hawaii, which is in USDA Hardiness Zone 12a, you should direct sow seeds around Thursday, December 4, 2025.

Your average last frost date is Thursday, January 1, 2026. Swiss Chard grows well when direct sown, as it doesn't transplant well or germinates quickly outdoors.