Vegetable Cultivar Descriptions for North America

Swiss Chard, Lists 1-26 Combined

Edited by Irwin Goldman

Department of Horticulture
University of Wisconsin
Madison, WI 53706

Argentata - Characteristics: Italian heirloom type, silvery white midribs and savoyed deep green broad leaves, mild and sweet flavor.

Burpees Rhubarb Chard (Ruby Chard) - Breeder and vendor: W. Atlee Burpee Company, Philadelphia. Parentage: selection from Crimson Giant Swiss Chard. Characteristics: reddish green crumpled leaves and bright red, wide petioles with orange tint. Similar: Crimson Giant or Burbank's Rainbow cultivar. Adaptation: wide. Burpee Catalog, 1941.

Fordhook Giant - Characteristics: leaves dark green, savoyed, white veins, stems broad and white, heat resistant, fresh market use.

Large White Ribbed - Characteristics: leaves dark green, smooth, white veins, stems broad and smooth, white, slightly flattened.

Neon Lights - Breeder and vendor: Burpee Seed Co. Adaptation: U.S. 2002.

Paros - Characteristics: tall, shiny, upright green leaves on thick white stalks, mild and sweet flavor.

Rainbow - Breeder: John Eaton. Vendor: Johnny's. Characteristics: delicious Swiss chard with multicolored stems, red, pink, striped, white, orange, yellow, and lemon. Similar: Silverbeet Five Color.

Ruby Red - Characteristics: leaves deep green, savoyed, red veins, stems bright red and slightly flat, fresh market use.

Silverado - Breeder: Alf Christianson. Characteristics: glossy dark green leaves and white stems, compact habit, excellent flavor.