Pruning guide
How to prune rainbow chard
More rainbow chard care
- How to prune beet — the species this cultivar belongs to
- How to prune rainbow chard — our other guide for the same plant
- Full rainbow chard care guide
- Common rainbow chard problems & fixes
- How to propagate rainbow chard
- When to repot rainbow chard
Pruning rainbow chard — FAQ
When should I prune rainbow chard?
Once plants reach 20–25 cm tall; ongoing through the growing season. Snap or cut individual outer stems at the very base of the plant. Always leave the inner 4–5 leaves untouched. Cut bolt stalks at soil level as soon as they appear.
How often does rainbow chard need pruning?
Every 1–2 weeks as a cut-and-come-again harvest. Rainbow Chard is managed exactly like Swiss chard — regular harvesting of outer stems is the key technique. Harvest outer stalks from around 5–6 weeks after germination, leaving the central crown to regrow. Remove bolt stems immediately to extend the season. Removing aged, yellowed outer stems also keeps the display tidy.
How do you prune rainbow chard?
Snap or cut individual outer stems at the very base of the plant. Always leave the inner 4–5 leaves untouched. Cut bolt stalks at soil level as soon as they appear.