Overview
Spinacia oleracea 'Viridis' is a clump forming annual biennial in the genus Spinacia, part of the Amaranthaceae family, with deciduous foliage. Spinacia oleracea 'Viridis' grows best in full sun and partial shade, and tolerates most soils and any pH. Its UK hardiness is rated H5. Suggested uses include patio and container plants.
About
Spinacia oleracea 'Viridis' is a cultivar of Spinacia, a genus of herbaceous plants in the Amaranthaceae family, known for their upright stems and smooth, ovate or triangular leaves. This clump-forming annual or biennial plant is deciduous and thrives in fertile, moist but well-drained soil with full sun or partial shade. Suitable for sheltered locations with a south, east, or west-facing aspect, 'Viridis' can be grown in a variety of soil types and pH levels. It is hardy to UK zone H5 and is commonly cultivated for its edible foliage during summer and autumn, making it ideal for patios and containers.
About the genus
Spinacia is a flowering plant genus in the subfamily Chenopodioideae of the family Amaranthaceae. The most common member is spinach.
Wikipedia contributors, "Spinacia", CC BY-SA 4.0 — Spinacia
Growing conditions
Best soil and position for Spinacia
- Sunlight
- Full sun, Partial shade
- Soil type
- Chalk, Clay, Loam, Sand
- Soil pH
- Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
- Soil moisture
- Moist but well-drained
- Aspect
- South-facing, East-facing, West-facing
- Exposure
- Sheltered
- UK hardiness
- H5
Plant details
Spinacia oleracea 'Viridis' size, habit and characteristics
- Plant type
- Annual Biennial
- Habit
- Clump forming
- Foliage
- Deciduous
- Suggested uses
- Patio and container plants
Care notes
Pruning and caring for Spinacia oleracea 'Viridis'
- Propagation
- Propagate by seed. See sowing vegetable seeds
- Pest resistance
- Generally pest-free but may be susceptible to damage by slugs and/or pigeons
- Disease resistance
- May be susceptible to spinach downy mildew
Frequently asked questions
Where is the best place to plant Spinacia oleracea 'Viridis'?
Spinacia oleracea 'Viridis' prefers full sun and partial shade. It suits sheltered positions.
What soil does Spinacia oleracea 'Viridis' need?
Spinacia oleracea 'Viridis' is adaptable and grows happily in most soil types, including chalk, clay, loam and sand. It is happy in soil of any pH. Aim for soil that stays moist but well-drained.
Is Spinacia oleracea 'Viridis' hardy in the UK?
Spinacia oleracea 'Viridis' has an RHS hardiness rating of H5, meaning it is hardy in most of the UK, tolerating -15 to -10°C.
How do I propagate Spinacia oleracea 'Viridis'?
Propagate by seed. See sowing vegetable seeds.
From the Fenn Plants journal
- Notes on DaffodilsWhen to plant daffodil bulbs in the UK, how deep, how to naturalise them in grass, why daffodils stop flowering (“blindness”), and why you should never mix cut daffodils with other flowers.
- Keeping Your NerveHow to garden through a heatwave — the best time to water, why deep soaks beat daily sprinkles, caring for pots and vulnerable plants, and why you can let the lawn go brown.
- Made to LastHow to clean, store and protect garden pots and planters — the frost-proof vs frost-resistant difference, winter care for terracotta and ceramic, and how to reuse a broken pot.
