Description
Compact Barese Swiss Chard (Beta vulgaris var. cicla), known in Italian as Bietola Barese Compatta, is a traditional Italian leafy vegetable prized for its compact, upright growth and attractive dark green leaves with thick, white stalks. Originally associated with the Bari region of southern Italy, this productive variety is particularly suitable for growing during the cooler months.
With its tender leaves, crisp stalks and mild, earthy flavour, Barese Swiss Chard is perfect for soups, sautéed vegetables, pasta dishes, savoury pies and traditional Mediterranean recipes. Its compact growth makes it an excellent choice for home vegetable gardens and raised beds.
🌱 Growing Instructions
☀️ Sunlight: Prefers 4–6 hours of direct sunlight daily. Benefits from partial afternoon shade during warmer weather.
💧 Watering: Keep soil consistently moist but not waterlogged. Regular watering encourages tender leaves and healthy stalk development.
🌱 Soil: Plant in fertile, well-draining soil enriched with compost or organic matter.
🌡️ Temperature: Grows best between 10°C–24°C. Particularly suitable for Malta’s mild autumn and winter conditions.
📏 Spacing: Allow approximately 20–30 cm between plants and 35–40 cm between rows for healthy growth.
🌾 Fertilizer: Apply a balanced vegetable fertilizer every 3–4 weeks during active growth, following product instructions.
✂️ Harvesting: Harvest the entire plant when fully developed or pick outer leaves as needed, leaving the central growing point intact. Typically ready approximately 40–60 days after transplanting, depending on growing conditions.
🌿 Local Growing Tips (Malta)
Best planting season: September to March, when cooler temperatures encourage healthy leaf and stalk development.
Position: Sunny vegetable gardens, raised beds or large containers with fertile soil and good drainage.
Companion plants: Lettuce, onions, carrots and radishes.
Common issue: Leaf miners may cause pale trails or blotches inside the leaves. Remove affected foliage and use protective insect netting when necessary.
📦 Product Information
Variety: Barese Compatta (Compact Barese Swiss Chard)
Botanical Name: Beta vulgaris var. cicla
Plant Type: Leafy Vegetable Seedling
Quantity: 12 Seedlings per Tray
Maturity: Approximately 40–60 days after transplanting
Harvest Season: Autumn to Spring
Special Characteristics: Compact, upright growth with smooth dark green leaves, thick white stalks and a mild flavour. Particularly suitable for cooler-season cultivation.
Important Information
Pictures shown may vary from actual product due to the live nature of the items. Some items may be out of stock for various reasons, we will issue a refund or offer alternatives should that be the case.
The price is per one tray of 12 seedlings.
