How to prune 'bright lights' swiss chard

Throughout the growing season once leaves reach usable size; remove flower stalks immediately on sight. Cut outer leaves at the base with a clean knife or scissors, leaving the central growing point untouched. Snap off any flower stalks (bolting stems) at the base as soon as they emerge to delay seed set.

Every 1–2 weeks during active growth. Swiss chard is a cut-and-come-again crop that actively benefits from regular leaf harvesting. Remove outer leaves once the plant has 6 or more leaves, always leaving the inner crown intact to keep producing. Cut faded, bolted, or damaged leaves at the base promptly. Removing flower stalks as they appear extends the harvest season.

Cut outer leaves at the base with a clean knife or scissors, leaving the central growing point untouched. Snap off any flower stalks (bolting stems) at the base as soon as they emerge to delay seed set.