Overview

Spinacia oleracea 'Viroflay Giant' is a clump forming annual biennial in the genus Spinacia, part of the Amaranthaceae family, with deciduous foliage. Spinacia oleracea 'Viroflay Giant' grows best in full sun and partial shade, and tolerates most soils and any pH. Its UK hardiness is rated H4. Suggested uses include patio and container plants.

About

Spinacia oleracea 'Viroflay Giant' is a cultivar of Spinacia, a genus of herbaceous annual or biennial plants known for their upright stems and smooth, ovate or triangular leaves. This clump-forming spinach variety is deciduous and thrives in fertile, moist soil with full sun or partial shade. It is suited to sheltered locations with a south, east, or west-facing aspect and tolerates a range of soil types and pH levels. Hardy to UK zone H4, 'Viroflay Giant' is typically grown for its edible foliage during the summer and autumn seasons, and can be propagated by seed.

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
H4

Plant details

Spinacia oleracea 'Viroflay Giant' 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 'Viroflay Giant'

Propagation
Seed
Pest resistance
Generally pest-free but may be susceptible to damage by slugs and pigeons
Disease resistance
May be susceptible to spinach downy mildew

Frequently asked questions

Where is the best place to plant Spinacia oleracea 'Viroflay Giant'?

Spinacia oleracea 'Viroflay Giant' prefers full sun and partial shade. It suits sheltered positions.

What soil does Spinacia oleracea 'Viroflay Giant' need?

Spinacia oleracea 'Viroflay Giant' 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 'Viroflay Giant' hardy in the UK?

Spinacia oleracea 'Viroflay Giant' has an RHS hardiness rating of H4, meaning it is hardy through an average UK winter, tolerating -10 to -5°C.

How do I propagate Spinacia oleracea 'Viroflay Giant'?

Seed.

More in the Spinacia genus

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