Barese chard (Beta vulgaris var. cicla)

Swiss Chard from the Bari Coast: This traditional Apulian chard is shorter than regular chard, boasting large, fleshy white stems. It's particularly recommended for summer-autumn planting with winter harvest. Harvesting the entire plant is recommended for this variety. It's a highly prized vegetable due to its vitamins, fiber, folic acid, minerals, and oxalic acid content. The outer leaves, which are the greenest, contain the highest amount of vitamins and carotene. The entire plant, including leaves and stems, can be eaten. Leave some for seed propagation. Sow from February to October, preferably in the summer months for winter harvest.

Easy to grow and undemanding, it is a smart choice even for beginners.