50-60 Days to maturity. Beta vulgaris var. cicla. Chard Seeds - Japanese Umaina. Non-GMO Annual Heirloom. This tender Japanese variety has beautiful broad, slightly wrinkled leaves with short midribs. It can withstand hot and cold temperatures and is very slow to bolt. This makes it great for a lower-maintenance harvest-when-desired fresh green. Exemplary for fresh market and home garden growing. While it is not widely available for purchase, all who grow it themselves fall in love with its tender and sweet young leaves. ~ 1,900 seeds per oz.
Chard Seeds - Japanese Umaina - Heirloom
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Other Common Names: Fudanso, daunbit, Chard, tian cai, Japanese Silverbeet, ye yong tieng tsai, kwoon taat tsoi, pak tim tsoi, bit swis, itsumona, tojisa, and tojishiya.
How to Grow Japanese Umaina Chard
Prepare fertile, well-draining soil. Sow seeds in the spring after the last hard frost in a warm, sunny location or in partial shade for hot areas. In temperate climates, sow in the late summer to early fall as well. Keep soil moist. Soak seeds and rinse water 3-4 times before planting. Like beets, chard "seeds" produce more than one plant; they will require thinning. Plants will continue to produce new growth at the center. Keep weeds down, especially when plants are still young. Provide regular, deep water throughout the season.
Harvesting Japanese Umaina Chard
When the plant has a strong root structure, harvest a couple of leaves from each plant. Mature plants can be cut back to 1-2" above the soil for re-growth for a cut-and-come-again harvest. Harvest whole plants or single leaves when 5-6" tall.
Culinary Tips
Useful in any dishes that have pak choi, spinach, or kale. Similarly versatile like many other greens. Pair with other greens for a multi-faceted, flavorful, and textured salad.
Tips From Our Gardeners
“I did not like chard when I was growing up. But, when I started growing different types than were offered at the grocery store I changed my mind! Umaina is a delicious, sweet, and vitamin-dense green; you will never want the supermarket stuff again!”
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- Lara Wadsworth, True Leaf Market Writer |
Seeds Per Package
- 4 g packet - Approximately 275 Seeds
- 1 oz - Approximately 1,900 Seeds
- 4 oz - Approximately 7,600 Seeds
- 1 lb - Approximately 30,400 Seeds
Basic Info
| Latin Name: | Beta vulgaris var. cicla |
| Japanese Umaina Chard Color: | Deep green leaves with pale green midribs. |
| Japanese Umaina Chard Flavor: | Sweet and tender. Somewhere between pak choi, kale, and spinach. |
Growing Info
| Days to Germination: | 7-14 Days |
| Seeding Depth: | 1/4" or less |
| Row Spacing: | 12-18 inches |
| Plant Height: | 18-24” |
| Growth Habit: | Similar to romaine lettuce; low-growing rosettes that can also grow upwards. |
| Soil Preference: | Balanced, loamy soil that is well draining and fertile. Thrives with a pH of 6 to 7. |
| Temperature Preference: | It is very tolerant to a variety of temperatures and will continue to grow; however, avoid extremes. |
| Light Preference: | Full sun to part shade. |
Other Info
| Plant Width: | 9-12 inches |
| Pests and Disease: | Subject to any common issues but is not known for being particularly susceptible. |
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