Swiss Chard "Mixed Colors" (Beta vulgaris subsp. cicla)
On April 30, 1774, Jefferson sowed “white beet,” another name for leaf-beet or Swiss Chard. While Jefferson’s variety was most likely a green leaf with white ribs, leaf-beet has long been known to come in "many and variable colours," as noted by herbalist John Gerard in 1596. This packet contains an edible and ornamental mix of white, scarlet, and yellow-ribbed varieties.
Contact The Thomas Jefferson Center for Historic Plants at
Email chp@monticello.org
Phone 434-984-9819
