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0 Organic red chard seeds for growing microgreens / young shoots
Organic Red Swiss Chard Seeds to Grow as Microgreens
Available in 15g or 250g
€2.19
Tax included
Organic red Swiss chard seeds for growing microgreens
Red Swiss chardBeta vulgaris var. cicla), also known as Ruby Red Chard, is a variety of Swiss chard from the Amaranthaceae family, related to spinach and beetroot. Cultivated since ancient times in the Mediterranean basin, it is a vegetable plant whose green leaves and colorful stalks are typically consumed. In microgreens, it's a whole different world: the young shoot is harvested at the cotyledon stage, where the color bursts and the nutritional density is at its peak.
🌱 Its most striking feature is its color. The stems are of a intense ruby red, brilliant purple, which contrasts beautifully with the tender green of the cotyledons. It is frankly one of the most visually spectacular microgreens - used by chefs to add a colorful touch to their dishes. In terms of taste, the flavor is Soft, slightly earthy, with a note reminiscent of raw spinach and beetroot.. Much more delicate than the mature chard, without bitterness.
Specifically, it pairs wonderfully with colorful raw salads (carrot, grated beetroot, red cabbage), finely chopped vegetable tartares, raw bowls with multiple textures, fresh seaweed salads (wakame, dulse, samphire) where the purple contrasts with the green-brown of the seaweed, raw soups like cucumber gazpacho, cold-pressed green juices, or even avocado toasts for a touch of color. A few fresh sprouts just before serving, and the dish instantly gains a visual and gustatory dimension.
Harvest at : 5 to 7 cm in height
Cycle : 10 to 14 days
Quantity per tray : 8 to 9 g of seeds
🌱 How to grow your red chard microgreens at home ?
Microgreens are grown on a light and well-draining substrate, and not by misting as with traditional sprouted seeds. For optimal and reproducible results, we recommend our sprouter. GEO Smart Greens from Geo Bavicchi associated with the GEO ceramic pellets (100% natural and reusable substrate).
🌱 The principle is simple:
- Pour the ceramic pellets in the perforated growing tray.
- Evenly distribute 8 to 9 g of red chard seeds on the surface, without pressing them in. Tip: these seeds are quite large, shaped like small irregular clusters - soaking them in water for 2 to 4 hours beforehand can speed up germination.
- On the first day, generously spray with water to properly hydrate the seeds.
- Place the container in a bright location, sheltered from direct sunlight.
- Then pour the water into the lower tray: thanks to bottom watering, The substrate absorbs moisture through capillarity, without drowning the shoots or promoting mold.
- Monitor surface humidity (use a supplementary spray if the air is dry).
- Harvest with scissors as soon as your shoots reach 5 to 7 cm. It's ready.
🌱 The advantages of ceramic pellet substrate: a porous structure that retains just the right amount of water, very little water consumed, clean environment, no potting soil that dirties the kitchen, and above all 100% natural and reusable from one culture to another.
🌱 Discover our 8 varieties of microgreens
We offer a complete range of organic seeds for growing microgreens, carefully selected from Geo Bavicchi. From aromatic flavors to spicy ones, as well as mild and earthy flavors, here is the full list of varieties available in our Biovie catalog:
| Variety | Color of the shoots | Dominant flavor |
|---|---|---|
| Dill (Dill) | Light green, thin stems | Aniseed, fresh |
| Red Swiss chard (Bette à carde rouge rubis) | Purple stems, green cotyledons | Sweet, slightly earthy |
| Chioggia Swiss chard | Pale pink striped stems, green cotyledons | Sweet, subtle |
| Bull's Blood red beet | Bordeaux red, intense purple | Earthy, sweet, sugary |
| Purple kohlrabi | Purple stems, green cotyledons | Sweet, raw cabbage type |
| Green mizuna | Light green, serrated | Slightly spicy, mustard-flavored |
| Red mizuna | Scalloped red-green | Spicier, arugula type |
| Tatsoi | Bright dark green, spoon-shaped | Sweet, spinach type |
All our varieties are organic, guaranteed with a germination rate above 95%, and selected at Geo Bavicchi in Perugia, Umbria.
🌱 Below is a behind-the-scenes video at our supplier Geo Bavicchi:
🌱 And the interview we had the pleasure of filming with Dario Bavicchi, who represents the third generation of this Italian family business founded in 1896:
🌱 Why are red chard microgreens nutritionally interesting ?
Frankly, what struck me when I became interested in this variety is the difference between the chard we all know (cooked, in quiche or gratin) and the young sprout harvested at the cotyledon stage. Red chard microgreens are in a different category: harvested just as the seed has released its reserves, they concentrate a particularly interesting nutritional density, in a raw version that is perfectly suited to a living diet.
🌱 At what time does the plant concentrate the most nutrients ?
At the microgreens stage, the plant concentrates all the nutrients and vitamins it needs for its own development. Once this stage is surpassed, the plant redirects its energy towards structural growth - leaves, stems, roots - and the concentration of vitamins and antioxidants gradually decreases.
The cultivation durations vary depending on the species, from just a few days to a maximum of two weeks. It is precisely during these very early stages of growth that young shoots concentrate their highest nutritional value, surpassing that of the mature vegetable. Concretely, this nutritional richness is transmitted to your body through the regular consumption of raw sprouts: very small foods with remarkable nutritional density.
The diversity of available varieties - dill, Swiss chard, beet, kohlrabi, mizuna, tatsoi... - offers varied flavors and nutritional profiles, perfect for enriching a vibrant daily diet.
- Natural source of betalains. Red chard microgreens contain betalains, plant pigments characteristic of the Amaranthaceae family (which also includes beetroot and amaranth). It is the betalains that give the stems their spectacular ruby red color.
- Source of vitamin K. Chard naturally contains vitamin K, which contributes to normal blood clotting and the maintenance of normal bone structure, as part of a varied and balanced diet and a healthy lifestyle.
- Source of vitamin C and vitamin A (in the form of beta-carotene). Vitamin C contributes to the normal functioning of the immune system and the normal formation of collagen. Vitamin A contributes to the maintenance of normal vision and the normal functioning of the immune system.
- Presence of chlorophylls and carotenoids. Like all young green shoots, red chard microgreens contain plant pigments - chlorophylls, carotenoids - characteristic of fresh and living foods.
- Nutritional density of microgreens in general. A landmark study from the USDA laboratory (Xiao et al., 2012, Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry) compared 25 varieties of microgreens to their mature versions and observed on average vitamin and carotenoid contents 4 to 5 times higher to those of adult plants. A concrete argument in favor of these very small shoots.
- Mineral intake. Chard naturally contains minerals such as potassium, magnesium, and iron. Potassium contributes to the maintenance of normal blood pressure, iron to the normal formation of red blood cells and hemoglobin, and magnesium to the normal functioning of the nervous system and the reduction of fatigue - as part of a varied and balanced diet and a healthy lifestyle.
Here it is. In my view, the decisive argument is not a particular "superpower," but rather the idea that a spoonful of freshly cut sprouts, added to an already healthy dish, naturally enriches your plate with micronutrients - without any transformation, without cooking, without transport. You harvest, you cut, you consume. This is the very definition of living food. And as the cherry on top, with red Swiss chard, you also add a touch of color that transforms an ordinary dish into something beautiful.
Note: Chard naturally contains oxalic acid. For consumption at the microgreens stage (a few sprouts per dish), no specific restrictions are documented. People prone to kidney stones can simply moderate their consumption of plants from the Amaranthaceae family (chard, Swiss chard, spinach, beet, amaranth).
🌱 To learn more about home-grown sprouts, check out our blog articles:
What is the benefit of sprouting seeds ?
What are the benefits of sprouted seeds ?
- Packaging : available in doypack of 15 g (approximately 1 culture) or 250 g (economic format, approximately 27 to 31 crops)
- DDM : 3 years after the production date
- Origin Italy - Geo Bavicchi line (Perugia, Umbria), a family business specializing in sprouting seeds since 1896, certified organic
- Botanical variety : Beta vulgaris var. cicla, variety "Ruby Red" (family Amaranthaceae)
- Guaranteed germination rate : greater than 95% (each batch tested before commercialization)
- Conservation : away from light, in a cool, dry place
🌱 Packaging quality that matches the quality of the seeds: all our bags are made from materials certified for food contact, resistant to moisture, and indicate the optimal use-by date, weight, and production batch number - for complete traceability. The instructions for use are printed in five languages: Italian, English, French, German, and Spanish.
🌱 Frequently Asked Questions About Red Chard Microgreens
What is the difference between sprouted seeds and microgreens of red Swiss chard ?
Sprouted seeds are harvested very early (2 to 5 days), at the radicle stage, and are grown in a jar or sprouter with daily rinsing. Microgreens, on the other hand, go further: they are harvested at the cotyledon stage (the first embryonic leaves), between 10 and 14 days for red Swiss chard, and only the aerial part is consumed, cut with scissors. The cultivation is done on a light substrate - in our case, 100% natural ceramic granules. And with red Swiss chard, you get the added bonus of that intense purple color that the sprouted seed does not reveal.
How many red chard seeds for a tray ?
Count about 8 to 9 grams of seeds for a standard tray of the sprouter. GEO Smart Greens. The 15 g packet allows for 1 cultivation, and the 250 g format provides approximately 27 to 31 cultivations - enough to have fresh red chard microgreens continuously for over six months.
How long does it take to harvest red chard microgreens ?
Specifically, allow 10 to 14 days between sowing and harvesting. Red Swiss chard is among the medium-cycle microgreens - a bit slower than mustard or radish (which are harvested in 6 to 8 days), but the wait is worth it for the ruby red color that gradually develops over the days. Harvest when the shoots reach 5 to 7 cm.
Should red chard seeds be soaked before planting them ?
It is not mandatory but it is recommended. Swiss chard seeds are actually Glomeruli - small irregular clusters that contain several embryos. Soaking for 2 to 4 hours in clear water at room temperature before sowing helps to soften the shell and significantly accelerate germination. This is the trick that makes the difference between an average crop and a truly successful one.
Why are the shoots red ?
The ruby red color of the stems comes from the betalains, plant pigments characteristic of the Amaranthaceae family. It is the same family of pigments found in the Beetroot, the amaranth or the red pitaya. Specifically, as the plant grows, the color intensifies - you can even observe the red becoming stronger day by day, it's quite magical to watch.
Can red chard seeds be grown in an Easygreen Light or Sol sprouter ?
For microgreens, it is not ideal. Easygreen sprouters are perfect for classic sprouts (alfalfa, broccoli, lentils, fenugreek...) that are grown by misting or siphon effect, without a substrate. Microgreens, on the other hand, require cultivation on a substrate with bottom irrigation. This is precisely the function of the sprouter. GEO Smart Greens, designed for this process.
Is the ceramic granule substrate really reusable ?
Yes, it is one of its major advantages. After harvesting, you remove the roots, you rinse the Clear water pellets, and you can start a new crop. The porous structure of the ceramic retains its absorption capacity over the cycles - up to 5 reuses recommended by Bavicchi. It's frankly more environmentally friendly than a single-use substrate like peat or coco.
How do I store my red chard microgreens after harvest ?
The ideal is to cut them just before serving - this way you benefit from all their freshness, vibrant color, and thermolabile vitamins. If you need to store them, place them in the refrigerator in an airtight container between two sheets of paper towel. They last 3 to 4 days, but their flavor and color remain optimal during the first 24 hours.
How can I incorporate red chard microgreens into my daily dishes ?
Some concrete ideas we use at home with Aurélie: on an avocado toast (made with sourdough bread or seed crackers) - the green avocado/red sprout contrast is superb; in a colorful raw salad with grated carrot, raw beetroot, red cabbage; as a finishing touch on a raw zucchini soup or cucumber gazpacho - the red stands out beautifully against the green; on a finely chopped vegetable tartare; in a fresh seaweed salad like wakame or rehydrated dulse - the purple/green-brown contrast is striking; as a garnish on homemade seaweed hummus; or in a raw bowl with multiple textures. Always add at the end of preparation, raw, to preserve the aromas, vitamins, and vibrant color.
🌱 Notes for your first crops:
- Red Swiss chard loves light but hates direct scorching sunlight. A well-lit kitchen does the job perfectly. Good to know: the color of the stems intensifies with good light exposure - A shoot grown in the shade will be paler than a shoot grown in indirect light.
- The humidity must be constant but never excessive. This is the whole point of bottom watering in the sprouter. GEO Smart Greens : the substrate absorbs just the right amount.
- Consider soaking the seeds for 2 to 4 hours before sowing for better germination.
- If you see mold appearing (rare with this system), it is usually a sign of excess water or lack of ventilation. Adjust and it will recover.
Warning: The information presented in this document is provided for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Consult a qualified healthcare professional before making any changes to your diet or supplementation. As part of a varied and balanced diet and a healthy lifestyle.
Update: May 2026. Article approved by Éric Viard, founder of Biovie and engineer ISTOM, co-author of ""Seaweed in Everyday Life" (Gallimard, 2024) - Best cookbook in the world, Gourmand Cookbook Awards 2025, and Best cookbook in France, National Academy of Cuisine 2025.
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