Spinach
Spinach
Bloomsdale Longstanding is Spinach that could very well be your favorite! Bloomsdale is by far the most popular and widely available open-pollinated Spinach. Large, dark green, corrugated leaves of this variety proliferate. Ripens in just 45 days, tolerates hot weather well and is an excellent choice for late spring and summer plantings.In 1826, Englishmen David Landreth and his brother Cuthbert developed this spinach variety, which they named Bloomsdale Longstanding, and introduced them to their customers. Bloomsdale became known for withstanding temperature swings. In 1937 he received the prestigious AAS Prize.
Besides cooking, Bloomsdale Longstanding Spinach is also grown as an ideal companion for other crops such as lettuce, radishes, peas, and strawberries. Spinach not only repels insects but also improves the taste and development of different vegetables.
Bloomsdale Longstanding Spinach has delicate leaves that are great as a fresh addition to salads or a colorful side dish to soups and a popular bake option.
How to grow Spinach from seeds:
- Sowing: Bloomsdale spinach seeds should be planted as soon as the soil can be tilled in the spring or after the summer heat for an autumn harvest. Spinach can be grown throughout the winter; in colder conditions, it can survive freezing temperatures with sufficient protection. Spinach feels great in the shade and can be planted under tall plants such as corn or beans. Sow the seeds into deep cultivated soil 1/2" deep and 2" apart in rows 12-18", later thinning the seedlings 4-8" apart. For a consistent harvest, plant more seeds every 10 days until the summer heat starts.
- Plant Spacing: 4-8″.
- Growing of Spinach: Apply a layer of mulch to avoid damaging the roots when harvesting weeds. The soil should be slightly moist, and at temperatures above 80 degrees F, the Spinach needs shade.
- Spinach Soil Requirements for: Keep the soil evenly moist and warm.
- Spinach Seeds Days to Germination: 7-14 days.
- Light Preference of Spinach: Full Sun.
- Life Cycle of Spinach: Annual.
- How and When to Harvest Spinach: Start harvesting spinach leaves as soon as they are large enough to be eaten. If you need to gather the entire plant, cut it at ground level. If the plant cracks and lifts the flower's stem, the leaves will have a more pungent scent but can still be used.
- Spinach Days to Maturity: up to 50 days.
- Spinach's Seed Saving: Since Spinach is easily cross-pollinated with other spinach varieties, isolation may be required. Save seeds from 15-20 Bloomsdale spinach plants for the best genetic diversity. Seeds from plants that emerge early or have negative tendencies should not be harvested. The seed pods will ripen soon after the leaves of the plant turn yellow. Use gloves when collecting pods. Dry outdoors if the weather is favorable. Remove the pods from the stem by running your hands up and down the length of the stem. The prickly pod can be removed or planted as it is. Store Bloomsdale spinach seeds in a cool, dry place for up to three years.
FAST FACTS:
- Common Names: Spinach
- Latin Name: Raphanus sativus
- Species Origin: Persia
- Type: Open Pollinated, Heirloom, Cool Season
- Life Cycle: Annual
- USDА Zones: 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12
- Seeds per Ounce: 2,500
- Sunlight: Full Sun
- Height:9 Inches
- Color: Green
- Uses: Culinary
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