When to Plant Chard in Edmonton, AB
Swiss chard is a colorful, heat-tolerant green with large crinkled leaves and vibrant stalks in red, yellow, and white. Both the leaves and stems are edible and nutritious.
Edmonton, Alberta is in USDA Zone 4b. The average last spring frost is May 13 and the first fall frost is October 7, giving you a growing season of approximately 147 days.
At an elevation of 2,191 feet, Edmonton receives approximately 17.4 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly dark brown chernozem soil. Summer highs average 70°F, so choose short-season varieties of Chard to ensure they mature before fall. With low rainfall, drip irrigation is essential for growing Chard successfully. Mulch heavily to conserve soil moisture.
Edmonton Soil Profile
Soil Type
Dark Brown Chernozem
Soil pH
6.0-7.0
Drainage
Well Drained
Plant Planting Risk Windows
Percentages indicate frost risk at transplant. The 70% safe window means there is a 30% chance of frost after transplant — suitable for cold-hardy crops or gardeners with frost protection. The 90% safe window is best for tender plants.
How to Plant Chard
Fall planting: Sow 12 weeks before your first frost date for a fall harvest.
Plant Water Budget
Monthly Watering Guide for Chard
Chard needs approximately 0.8 inches of water per week (3.5" per month). Here's how your county's rainfall compares month by month.
| Month | Chard Needs | Rainfall | You Supplement | Action |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | — | 0.6" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Feb | — | 0.8" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Mar | — | 1.2" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Apr | — | 1.6" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| May | 3.5" | 1.9" | 1.6" | 💧 Light watering |
| Jun | 3.5" | 2.1" | 1.4" | 💧 Light watering |
| Jul | 3.5" | 2" | 1.5" | 💧 Light watering |
| Aug | 3.5" | 2.1" | 1.4" | 💧 Light watering |
| Sep | 3.5" | 1.3" | 2.2" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Oct | 3.5" | 1.3" | 2.2" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Nov | — | 1.2" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Dec | — | 1.1" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
Water needs are for active growing months only (May–Oct in Edmonton). Supplement amounts are based on average rainfall — actual needs vary with temperature, soil, and mulching.
Chard Heat Requirements (GDD)
What are Growing Degree Days (GDD)?
Growing Degree Days measure the total warmth your plants receive during the growing season. Think of it as a "heat bank" — every day above 50°F deposits warmth that helps your plants grow.
Each plant needs a certain amount of accumulated heat to mature. If your county provides more GDD than the plant needs, it's a great fit. If it's close, you may want to choose faster-maturing varieties or start seeds indoors to get a head start.
Chard Planting Timeline — Edmonton, AB
Chard Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Start Indoors | April 1 | Apr 1 – Apr 15 |
| Transplant Outdoors | May 13 | May 13 – May 27 |
| Direct Sow | May 6 | May 6 – May 27 |
| Harvest | July 8 | Jul 8 – Aug 26 |
| Fall Sowing | July 15 | Jul 15 – Jul 29 |
Plant 1" deep · 15" apart · Rows 24" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | — |
| February | — |
| March | — |
| April | Start Indoors |
| May | Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow |
| June | — |
| July | Fall Sowing Harvest |
| August | Harvest |
| September | — |
| October | — |
| November | — |
| December | — |
Growing Conditions
☀️ Sun
Partial Shade (3-6 hours)
💧 Water
0.8"/week · 1-2 times/week
📅 Days to Maturity
50–60 days
🧪 Soil pH
Needs 6–7 · Your soil: N/A
🗺️ USDA Zone
Zone 4b
📆 Growing Season
147 days in Edmonton
Growing Tips for Edmonton
Direct sow or transplant after last frost. Harvest outer leaves regularly to encourage continuous production. Chard tolerates both heat and light frost.
Companion Planting
Good Companions
Avoid Planting Near
Check more plant combinations with our Companion Planting Checker →
Chard in Other Locations
Frequently Asked Questions
When should I plant Chard in Edmonton, AB?
Edmonton is in Zone 4b with an average last frost of May 13. Plan your Chard planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Edmonton, AB?
Edmonton, Alberta is in USDA Hardiness Zone 4b. The average last spring frost is May 13 and first fall frost is October 7.
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