How to Grow Lucullus Chard
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Lucullus Chard
Beta vulgaris subsp. cicla var. flavescens
vegetableLucullus is a Swiss chard variety prized for its large, crinkled yellow-green leaves and prominent white ribs that remain tender even when mature. This heat-tolerant, productive cultivar produces abundant harvests over a long season and is excellent for both fresh eating and cooking. The plants are visually striking with their bold textured foliage and are equally suited to ornamental and kitchen gardens.
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Example Lucullus Chard timeline · Pittsburgh, PA (Zone 6b)
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Plant Lucullus Chard
Around Apr 17Near Pittsburgh's average last spring frost.
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Tend & protect
Late spring–summerWatering, feeding, and pest-watch reminders.
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Harvest Lucullus Chard
Around Jun 6≈ 50 days after planting
Sample dates for Pittsburgh, PA. Sign up to get exact Lucullus Chard dates for your own zip code.
Growing Conditions
Soil
Growing Zones
Find your zone →Thrives in zones 3-10; best performance in zones 5-9 with consistent moisture
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Get my Lucullus Chard timeline →Growth Stages
Germination
7-10 daysSeeds sproute and develop cotyledons (seed leaves). Seedlings emerge as small rosettes.
Keep soil consistently moist but not waterlogged. Thin seedlings to 6 inches apart when 2-3 inches tall. Provide bright light to prevent leggy growth.
Vegetative Growth
20-30 daysPlant develops true leaves with prominent ribs. Leaves grow larger and more crinkled. Root system establishes.
Water consistently and mulch to retain moisture. Apply balanced fertilizer every 3-4 weeks. Monitor for pests. Thin further if needed.
Early Harvest
15-20 daysOuter leaves reach 8-10 inches long and are ready for picking. Inner leaves continue expanding.
Begin harvesting outer leaves from the outside in, leaving center growth intact. This encourages continued leaf production.
Peak Production
30-45 daysPlant is fully established with large, crinkled leaves. Multiple layers of harvestable outer leaves present.
Harvest regularly to promote continuous leaf production. Water and fertilize consistently. Watch for bolting in hot weather.
Late Season/Decline
VariableLeaves may become smaller and plant vigor decreases. In cool climates, production may extend well into fall.
Continue harvesting mature leaves. In hot climates, provide afternoon shade. Plant may bolt if temperatures exceed 80°F consistently.
Companion Planting
Plan your garden →Plant with:
Avoid planting near:
Common Pests
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Remove affected leaves; use row covers on young plants; encourage beneficial parasitic wasps; spinosad spray if severe
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Strong water spray to dislodge; insecticidal soap; neem oil; encourage natural predators like ladybugs
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Increase humidity; strong water spray; neem oil or horticultural oil spray; avoid excessive nitrogen fertilizer
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and
Hand-pick; beer traps; copper tape around plant base; diatomaceous earth; encourage ground beetles
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Hand-pick larvae; bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) spray; remove and destroy heavily infested leaves
Uses
Cooked greens and side dishes
CulinaryLucullus chard leaves are tender and slightly sweet, with prominent white ribs that add pleasant texture and visual appeal when cooked. The leaves can be sautéed with garlic and olive oil, added to soups and stews, or braised as a nutritious side dish. [source]
Fresh salads and raw consumption
CulinaryYoung, tender leaves of Lucullus can be used raw in salads, providing a mild, slightly earthy flavor. The distinctive yellow-green color and textured leaves add visual interest to salads and vegetable platters. [source]
Nutritional and health benefits
MedicinalLucullus chard is rich in vitamins K, A, and C, as well as magnesium, manganese, and dietary fiber. Regular consumption supports bone health, immune function, and digestive wellness. [source]
Ornamental kitchen garden plant
HouseholdThe striking yellow-green leaves with bold white ribs make Lucullus chard an attractive addition to ornamental gardens, vegetable beds, and container plantings. The plant's architectural form adds visual interest alongside flowering plants. [source]
Beneficial insect habitat
WildlifeChard plants attract beneficial insects including parasitic wasps and predatory beetles that help control garden pests. Allowing some chard to bolt and flower provides nectar for pollinators. [source]
This is not medical advice. LizPlants is not a medical resource. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional before using plants medicinally.
Harvest Tips
Begin harvesting outer leaves when 8-10 inches long, typically 50-60 days from planting. Harvest by removing outer leaves at the base with a knife or by hand, leaving the central crown intact for continued growth. Regular harvesting encourages more leaf production and keeps plants from becoming overgrown. Harvest in early morning for best tenderness and flavor. Lucullus produces continuously for 60+ days if regularly harvested. Cut or pick leaves rather than pulling to avoid damaging roots.
Fun Facts
- 🌱 Lucullus was named after Lucullus, a wealthy Roman general and food connoisseur, reflecting the variety's superior culinary qualities and elegant appearance.
- 🌱 Unlike spinach, chard (including Lucullus) does not contain significant oxalic acid in the leaves, making it a more bioavailable source of minerals like calcium and magnesium.
- 🌱 Lucullus chard can survive light frosts and even snow in cooler climates, making it one of the longest-producing leafy greens for fall and early winter harvest.
Gardening Terms
New to gardening? Learn about terms used in this guide:
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