Swiss Chard
السلق · Beta vulgaris subsp. vulgaris (Cicla group)
A leafy vegetable known in Hijazi cooking. It handles salt and heat better than spinach. Grown in Makkah, Madinah, Eastern Province and Riyadh.
Quick facts
| Arabic name | السلق |
|---|---|
| English name | Swiss Chard |
| Scientific name | Beta vulgaris subsp. vulgaris (Cicla group) |
| Family | Amaranth family (Amaranthaceae) |
| Plant type | Biennial leafy vegetable |
| Height | 40 to 60 cm |
| Water use | Medium |
Planting and harvest calendar
Best time to plant
September to November
Harvest time
November to April
JanuaryFebruaryMarchAprilMayJuneJulyAugustSeptemberOctoberNovemberDecember
Planting timeHarvest or flowering
Times are general for the Saudi climate and may shift a few weeks by region: cooler in the highlands and the north, warmer on the coasts and in the south.
Description
Large shiny crinkled leaves with thick white, red or yellow stalks.
Where it grows
Grown in farms and home gardens.
Soil
Rich soil. It handles medium salt.
Water and irrigation
Regular watering.
Climate and light
Likes mild weather and handles some heat and light cold.
Propagation
By seed.
Benefits and uses
- Can be picked for months from one plant
- Rich in vitamins K and A and magnesium
- Handles salt
- Colorful stalks brighten the garden
Drawbacks
- Contains oxalates
- Leaf miners attack it
- Flowers in its second year and stops
Important notes
Pick outer leaves first and leave the center to grow.
Sources and references
The information was collected and checked from these scientific sources:
- Plants of the World Online (POWO) - Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew: Beta vulgaris subsp. vulgaris
- Global Biodiversity Information Facility (GBIF): Beta vulgaris subsp. vulgaris
- Wikipedia: Chard
- FAO Crop Calendar - Food and Agriculture Organization
- Ministry of Environment, Water and Agriculture (MEWA)
- Photo source: Wikimedia Commons (free license)