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When to plant Chard in Pinellas County, FL

Pinellas County's climate puts the Chard spring window between January 4 and January 25. aim for a steady week of warm soil before planting. A second sowing from October 21 to November 4 extends the harvest into fall.

When to Plant Chard in Pinellas County, FL

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.

Pinellas County, Florida is in USDA Zone 10a. The average last spring frost is January 25 and the first fall frost is December 16, giving you a growing season of approximately 325 days.

At an elevation of 246 feet, Pinellas County receives approximately 58.1 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly sand soil. Summer highs average 102°F, so Chard may need afternoon shade and extra watering during peak heat. Sandy soil warms quickly in spring — great for early planting — but Chard will need more frequent watering and organic matter to retain nutrients. Ample rainfall means less supplemental watering, but ensure good drainage to prevent Chard root diseases.

Pinellas County, FL (Zone 10a) Year-round
325 days
Last Spring Frost January 25
325 growing days
First Fall Frost December 16

Pinellas County Soil Profile

Soil Type

Sand

Soil pH

6.0-7.0

Drainage

Well Drained

Chard Planting Timeline — Pinellas County, FL

Chard Planting Calendar

Activity When Date Range
Start Indoors December 28 Dec 28 – Jan 11
Transplant Outdoors January 25 Jan 25 – Feb 8
Direct Sow January 4 Jan 4 – Jan 25
Harvest March 22 Mar 22 – May 10
Fall Sowing October 21 Oct 21 – Nov 4

Plant 1" deep · 15" apart · Rows 24" apart

Month-by-Month Timeline

MonthActivities
January Start Indoors Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow
February Transplant Outdoors
March Harvest
April Harvest
May Harvest
June
July
August
September
October Fall Sowing
November Fall Sowing
December Start Indoors

Growing Conditions

☀️ Sun

Partial Shade (3-6 hours)

💧 Water

Moderate — regular watering

📅 Days to Maturity

50–60 days

🧪 Soil pH

Needs 6–7 · Your soil: N/A

🗺️ USDA Zone

Zone 10a

📆 Growing Season

325 days in Pinellas County

Growing Tips for Pinellas County

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

  • Corn
  • Cucumbers

Check more plant combinations with our Companion Planting Checker →

Frequently Asked Questions

When should I plant Chard in Pinellas County, FL?

Pinellas County is in Zone 10a with an average last frost of January 25. Plan your Chard planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.

What planting zone is Pinellas County, FL?

Pinellas County, Florida is in USDA Hardiness Zone 10a. The average last spring frost is January 25 and first fall frost is December 16.

When should I plant Chard in Pinellas County, FL?

In Pinellas County, FL, plant Chard after the last frost (around January 25) and before the first frost (around December 16). Best results when soil holds above 50°F.

What growing zone is Pinellas County, FL for Chard?

Pinellas County sits in USDA Zone 10a. Chard grows reliably in zones 2a through 11b, so it's a good fit here.

Can Chard grow in Pinellas County's climate?

Yes — Chard grows well in Pinellas County's temperate climate. Pinellas County averages a 326-day frost-free season, with last frost around January 25 and first frost around December 16.

🌱

Your Pinellas County Garden Planner — Free

A 22-page printable planner built for Pinellas County (Zone 10a). Planting dates, a month-by-month schedule, harvest log, seed inventory, and succession charts — all dialed in for your exact growing season.

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Data sources: USDA Plant Hardiness Zone Map (2023), NOAA 30-Year Climate Normals. Frost dates are based on 50% probability averages for Pinellas County, FL. Local conditions may vary. Last updated: July 2026.

Sources & credits

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