When to Plant Swiss Chard in District of Columbia
Direct Sow Outdoors
Saturday, February 20, 2027
State
District of Columbia
USDA Zones
7a, 7b, 8a
Avg Last Frost
Saturday, March 20, 2027
Cities Covered
2
District of Columbia Planting Schedule by Zone
District of Columbia spans 3 zones — find yours below for the most accurate dates.
| Zone | Last Frost | Direct Sow |
|---|---|---|
| 7a | Saturday, April 10, 2027 | Saturday, March 13, 2027 |
| 7b | Monday, April 5, 2027 | Monday, March 8, 2027 |
| 8a | Saturday, March 20, 2027 | Saturday, February 20, 2027 |
Dates based on average last frost. Check your local forecast before planting.
About Swiss Chard
Companion Plants for Swiss Chard
Good Companions
Avoid Planting Near
Growing Swiss Chard in District of Columbia: Complete Guide
Swiss Chard (Beta vulgaris subsp. vulgaris) is a crop that grows best when sown directly in the garden. Depending on your zone, the right time to direct sow in District of Columbia falls between February 20, 2027 (Zone 8a) and March 13, 2027 (Zone 7a), once soil temperatures are consistently warm enough for germination.
Because District of Columbia stretches across 3 USDA hardiness zones (7a, 7b, 8a), planting windows can shift by as much as two to four weeks from one end of the state to the other. Gardeners in the warmer southern zones can start earlier, while those in cooler northern zones should wait until the zone table above shows their last frost has passed.
With 55 days to maturity, Swiss Chard fits comfortably within District of Columbia's growing season in most zones. In the warmest parts of the state, a second planting later in the season may be possible.
Swiss Chard requires full sun to partial shade and regular (1-1.5 inches/week) moisture. Check your local forecast for humidity and heat advisories that may affect timing and pest pressure.
For the most precise planting dates tailored to your exact location, enter your ZIP code on our planting calendar or use the zone table above to find the schedule for your area of District of Columbia.
Frequently Asked Questions
When should I plant Swiss Chard in District of Columbia?
In District of Columbia, direct sow Swiss Chard outdoors around Saturday, February 20, 2027. District of Columbia spans zones 7a–8a, so gardeners in warmer zones can plant earlier.
What is the last frost date in District of Columbia?
District of Columbia spans 3 USDA zones (7a, 7b, 8a), so last frost dates vary by region. Washington (7a) sees frost until around Saturday, April 10, 2027, while Washington, Washington Navy Yard (8a) is frost-free much earlier.
How long does Swiss Chard take to grow in District of Columbia?
Swiss Chard takes about 55 days from transplant (or direct sow) to harvest. In District of Columbia's longer-season zones, a second planting in late summer may be possible.
What USDA zones does District of Columbia cover for Swiss Chard?
District of Columbia includes zones 7a, 7b, 8a. Swiss Chard grows well across all of these zones with adjusted timing — use the zone table above to find the right dates for your part of the state.
When to Plant Swiss Chard by City in District of Columbia
Dates are based on each city's USDA zone and average last frost.
| City | Zone | Last Frost | Direct Sow |
|---|---|---|---|
| Washington | 8a | Saturday, March 20, 2027 | Saturday, February 20, 2027 |
| Washington Navy Yard | 8a | Saturday, March 20, 2027 | Saturday, February 20, 2027 |