How to Grow Swiss Chard 'Lucullus'

Swiss Chard 'Lucullus'

Beta vulgaris subsp. cicla 'Lucullus'

vegetable

Swiss Chard 'Lucullus' is a vigorous, cold-hardy leafy green with crinkled, savoy-like leaves and thick, pale yellow-white stems. This heirloom variety is prized for its tender leaves and productivity, producing harvests over many weeks. It's an excellent source of vitamins and minerals, and thrives in cool-season gardens.

Growing Conditions

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Sun: Full sun, 6-8 hours daily; tolerates partial shade in hot climates

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Water: Keep soil consistently moist but not waterlogged; provide 1-1.5 inches of water weekly through rainfall or irrigation

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Spacing: 6-12 inches

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Days to maturity: 45-55

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Planting depth: 0.5-1 inch

Soil

Type: Well-draining loamy soil rich in organic matter

pH: 6.0-7.0

Amendments:

Compost aged manure peat moss or coco coir

Growing Zones

Find your zone →

Thrives in zones 3-9; excellent cool-season performer

3a 3b 4a 4b 5a 5b 6a 6b 7a 7b 8a 8b 9a 9b 10a

Growth Stages

Seedling

2-3 weeks

Small cotyledons emerge within 7-10 days; true leaves begin forming

Keep soil moist and maintain 65-75°F temperature; thin seedlings to proper spacing once true leaves appear

Vegetative

3-4 weeks

Rapid leaf growth; plant develops characteristic crinkled foliage and visible pale stems; robust rosette forms

Maintain consistent moisture and feed with balanced fertilizer every 2-3 weeks; thin to final spacing if needed

Harvest-Ready

Ongoing (6-12 weeks)

Leaves reach 8-12 inches long; stems are thick and tender; plant is full and productive

Begin harvesting outer leaves; continue feeding to support ongoing growth; maintain moisture during dry spells

Peak Production

4-8 weeks

Plant continues producing new leaves from center; established root system supports continuous growth

Regular harvesting encourages bushier growth and prevents bolting; mulch to retain moisture and cool roots

Late Season

Until frost

Slower growth as temperatures cool further; leaves become smaller but more tender and flavorful

Continue harvesting; growth slows significantly in fall; provide row covers in zones 3-5 to extend season

Companion Planting

Plan your garden →

Plant with:

Beets spinach lettuce onions garlic thyme dill marigolds nasturtiums

Avoid planting near:

Pole beans fennel corn

Common Pests

Remove by hand, use row covers, apply neem oil or spinosad if severe
Spray with strong water stream, use insecticidal soap, introduce ladybugs or lacewings
and
Hand-pick in early morning, use beer traps, apply copper barriers or diatomaceous earth
Increase humidity, spray with water, apply neem oil if needed
Ensure good air circulation, spray with sulfur or baking soda solution, remove affected leaves

Uses

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Salads and fresh cooking

Culinary

The tender, crinkled leaves of 'Lucullus' are excellent raw in salads with a mild, slightly sweet flavor. The thick, pale stems can be braised or sautéed separately for a delicate texture. [source]

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Braising and wilting

Culinary

'Lucullus' withstands cooking well, making it ideal for wilting into pasta, soups, and stir-fries. Its substantial stems provide satisfying texture when cooked gently. [source]

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Nutritional powerhouse

Medicinal

Swiss chard is rich in vitamins K, A, and C, along with magnesium, potassium, and iron. It contains beneficial phytonutrients and antioxidants supporting bone health and cardiovascular function. [source]

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Juice and smoothie ingredient

Household

The tender leaves blend smoothly into green juices and smoothies, providing a nutrient boost without an overpowering flavor. Combine with milder fruits and herbs. [source]

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Pollinator and beneficial insect support

Wildlife

When allowed to flower (in second season or as season extends), chard provides nectar and pollen for bees and beneficial insects. It hosts predatory insects that control garden pests. [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 8-12 inches long, typically 45-55 days after planting. Cut or pinch off outer leaves at the base, leaving the center intact to continue growing. Harvest regularly to encourage more tender growth and prevent bolting. Morning harvest yields crispest leaves. Can harvest continuously until frost in cool climates; in warm regions, growth slows in summer heat.

Fun Facts

🌱 'Lucullus' is an heirloom variety named after Lucius Lucullus, a wealthy Roman general known for his lavish banquets and appreciation of fine food.
🌱 Swiss chard is not actually from Switzerland—the name likely derives from 'chard' (from the French 'carde') and 'Swiss' added by seed merchants in the 1800s. It originates from the Mediterranean region.
🌱 All parts of Swiss chard are edible and nutritious; the stems contain different nutrients than the leaves, making it efficient to harvest and use the whole plant.

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