About
Beta vulgaris subsp. cicla var. flavescens 'Charlotte' is a visually appealing variety of chard, characterized by its rich green leaves accented with deep red veins and elongated red stems, earning it the nickname 'rhubarb chard.' This cultivar exhibits excellent bolting resistance, making it suitable for container gardening and decorative borders. Sowing should occur between March and May, with transplanting taking place from May to September. Tender young leaves can be harvested for salads in approximately 8 weeks.
About the genus
Beta comprises annual, biennial, or perennial plants characterized by rosettes of basal foliage and robust, fleshy roots. This genus encompasses various wild species alongside cultivated varieties like beetroot, chard, and sugar beet.
Growing conditions
- Sunlight
- Full sun, Partial shade
- Soil type
- Clay, Loam
- Soil pH
- Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
- Soil moisture
- Moist but well-drained
- Aspect
- East-facing, North-facing, South-facing, West-facing
- Exposure
- Sheltered
- UK hardiness
- H3
Plant details
- Plant type
- Annual Biennial
- Habit
- Clump forming
- Foliage
- Deciduous
- Height
- 0.1-0.5 metres
- Spread
- 0.1-0.5 metres
- Time to full height
- 1-2 years
- Suggested uses
- City and courtyard gardens, Cottage and informal garden, Patio and container plants
Care notes
- Cultivation
- Grow in fertile soil in full sun or partial shade. Add compost or well-rotted manure in the autumn and keep watered in dry conditions. See chard cultivation for further advice
- Pruning
- No pruning required. Remove outer leaves when large enough
- Propagation
- Propagate by seed. See sowing vegetable seeds
- Pest resistance
- May be susceptible to birds, cutworms, lettuce root maggot, root aphid, root knot eelworm and slugs and snails
- Disease resistance
- May be susceptible to grey mould, lettuce downy mildew, mosaic virus and ring spot