Editing Chard (section)

== Characteristics ==

* '''Physical Characteristics''': Chard plants are biennials but are often grown as annuals. They produce large, green leaves with colorful stalks in some varieties, like ‘Bright Lights’, which features stalks in shades of yellow, orange, red, magenta, purple, and white<ref>https://missouribotanicalgarden.org/PlantFinder/PlantFinderDetails.aspx?isprofile=0&amp;taxonid=364070</ref><ref>https://britannica.com/plant/chard-plant</ref>. The leaves can grow up to 1 foot in length and are harvested throughout the growing season<ref>https://britannica.com/plant/chard-plant</ref>.
* '''Growing Conditions''': Chard thrives in moist, fertile, well-drained soils under full sun to light shade. It tolerates heat and humidity but prefers cool summer temperatures<ref>https://missouribotanicalgarden.org/PlantFinder/PlantFinderDetails.aspx?isprofile=0&amp;taxonid=364070</ref>. Regular moisture is essential, and nitrogen fertilizers may be added as needed<ref>https://missouribotanicalgarden.org/PlantFinder/PlantFinderDetails.aspx?isprofile=0&amp;taxonid=364070</ref>.
* '''Lifecycle''': Chard is typically grown from seed clusters sown in early spring. Young plants are thinned by hand, and the leaves are harvested continually until the plant flowers in its second year, at which point the leaves become bitter<ref>https://missouribotanicalgarden.org/PlantFinder/PlantFinderDetails.aspx?isprofile=0&amp;taxonid=364070</ref><ref>https://britannica.com/plant/chard-plant</ref>.

<span id="why-is-this-crop-useful-for-space"></span>