How to Grow Swiss Chard 'Lucullus'
Wikimedia Commons
Swiss Chard 'Lucullus'
Beta vulgaris subsp. cicla 'Lucullus'
vegetableSwiss Chard 'Lucullus' is a leafy green vegetable with large, crinkled leaves and distinctive pale yellow or cream-colored stems and ribs. This cold-hardy variety is prized for its tender leaves and mild flavor, suitable for raw salads or cooked dishes. It's a prolific producer that offers repeated harvests throughout the growing season.
When should you plant Swiss Chard 'Lucullus' in your zone?
Get a personalized planting timeline — when to start seeds, transplant, and harvest — based on your USDA zone and local frost dates. Free to start.
Example Swiss Chard 'Lucullus' timeline · Pittsburgh, PA (Zone 6b)
-
Plant Swiss Chard 'Lucullus'
Around Apr 17Near Pittsburgh's average last spring frost.
-
Tend & protect
Late spring–summerWatering, feeding, and pest-watch reminders.
-
Harvest Swiss Chard 'Lucullus'
Around Jun 6≈ 50 days after planting
Sample dates for Pittsburgh, PA. Sign up to get exact Swiss Chard 'Lucullus' dates for your own zip code.
Growing Conditions
Soil
Growing Zones
Find your zone →Zones 2-10; thrives in cool to moderate climates but tolerates heat better than spinach
Sign up free to see if Swiss Chard 'Lucullus' grows in your zone — and get a personalized planting timeline.
Get my Swiss Chard 'Lucullus' timeline →Growth Stages
Germination
7-14 daysSeeds sprout and first true leaves emerge; cotyledons are visible within 7-10 days
Keep soil warm (50-70°F) and consistently moist; thin seedlings to prevent overcrowding; protect from cold snaps
Seedling/Vegetative Growth
2-3 weeksTrue leaves develop; plant grows to 4-6 inches tall with 3-5 leaves; stems and ribs begin to show color
Provide bright light; thin to proper spacing; maintain consistent moisture; side-dress with compost if needed
Leaf Development
2-3 weeksPlant reaches 8-12 inches with full-sized, crinkled leaves; prominent pale yellow stems and ribs become evident
Begin light harvesting of outer leaves; maintain steady water; apply balanced fertilizer every 2-3 weeks if needed
Production/Harvest Ready
6-10 weeks or moreMature leaves are 8-10 inches long with large, tender blades; plant is 12-18 inches tall and very productive
Harvest outer leaves regularly to encourage continued production; water deeply and fertilize monthly; remove any bolting flower stems
Decline/End of Season
Variable; can extend 3-4 months in cool seasonsLeaves become tougher and smaller; plant may bolt when temperatures consistently exceed 75°F or during long photoperiods
Continue harvesting but expect smaller yields; provide shade cloth in extreme heat; plan successive sowings for continuous supply
Companion Planting
Plan your garden →Plant with:
Avoid planting near:
Common Pests
-
Remove affected leaves; use row covers on young plants; inspect regularly and crush visible larvae
-
Spray with strong water stream; use insecticidal soap or neem oil; encourage beneficial insects like ladybugs
-
Use row covers early; apply neem oil or spinosad if infestation occurs; encourage natural predators
-
Hand-pick visible caterpillars; use Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) for organic control; row covers on seedlings
-
Increase humidity by misting; spray with strong water; apply miticide if severe infestation develops
Uses
Leafy Green Vegetable
Culinary'Lucullus' chard is versatile in the kitchen, suitable for sautéing, steaming, adding to soups, or eating raw when young and tender. The mildly sweet flavor and tender texture make it a favorite for salads, pasta dishes, and side dishes. [source]
Nutritious Staple
CulinaryRich in vitamins A, C, and K, as well as minerals like magnesium and potassium. Swiss chard is a nutrient-dense addition to any diet. [source]
Traditional Herbal Use
MedicinalSwiss chard has been used in traditional medicine for its potential anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. The high mineral content supports overall wellness. [source]
Garden Productivity
Household'Lucullus' is exceptionally productive, providing a continuous harvest over many weeks with minimal effort. One planting can supply multiple salads and cooked portions. [source]
Garden Pollinator Support
WildlifeIf allowed to bolt, chard flowers attract bees and other pollinators, supporting garden biodiversity. [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 plant is 4-6 inches tall, typically 30-40 days after sowing. Pinch or cut leaves at the base to encourage bushier growth. Harvest regularly to maximize production; younger leaves are more tender. Continue harvesting through the season until plant bolts or becomes bitter in extreme heat. Morning harvesting provides the crispest leaves. Plants can produce for 2-4 months in moderate climates.
Fun Facts
- 🌱 'Lucullus' is named after Lucullus, a Roman general and gastronome known for his lavish feasts, reflecting the superior culinary quality of this variety.
- 🌱 Swiss chard is not actually from Switzerland; the name likely derives from the German/Swiss seedsmen who popularized it in Europe during the 1600s, though it originated in the Mediterranean region.
- 🌱 The distinct pale yellow stems of 'Lucullus' are rich in beta-carotene and vitamin E, making them nutritionally valuable—many gardeners specifically preserve these ribs separately when cooking.
Gardening Terms
New to gardening? Learn about terms used in this guide:
Join 30,000 gardeners planning their gardens with LizPlants.
Get your personalized Swiss Chard 'Lucullus' planting timeline
Tell us your zip code and we'll calculate exactly when to start Swiss Chard 'Lucullus' seeds, transplant seedlings, and harvest — based on your USDA zone and local frost dates. Includes calendar reminders and printable task lists. Free to start.
Get my Swiss Chard 'Lucullus' timeline →