About

This leafy biennial harvested in its first year. It is a relatively slow grower, slow to bolt, with good yields of rounded, slightly blistered, medium-textured, medium to dark green leaves. Shows some resistance to spinach downy mildew.

About the genus

Spinacia are annual or biennial herbaceous plants, usually dioecious, with upright stems and smooth leaves that are ovate or triangular. Edible species are cultivated for their leaves (spinach)

Growing conditions

SunlightFull sun, Partial shade
Soil typeChalk, Clay, Loam, Sand
Soil pHAcid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil moistureMoist but well-drained
AspectSouth-facing, East-facing, West-facing
ExposureSheltered
UK hardinessH2

Plant details

Plant typeAnnual Biennial
HabitClump forming
FoliageDeciduous
Height0.1-0.5 metres
Spread0.1-0.5 metres
Time to full height1 year
Suggested usesPatio and container plants

Care notes

CultivationDoes best on fertile soil rich in organic matter with a steady moisture supply. Winter crops need a sunny position, summer crops benefit from a little shade. Sow from February (under biodegradable fleece or cloches) to the end of May. See spinach cultivation
PruningNo pruning required
PropagationPropagate by seed. See sowing vegetable seeds
Pest resistanceGenerally pest-free but may be susceptible to damage by slugs and/or pigeons
Disease resistanceMay be susceptible to spinach downy mildew