Viroflay Spinach Seeds

Introduced in France in 1866, this heirloom spinach has large, smooth, dark-green leaves that grow up to 10 inches long. Viroflay spinach is a fast growing plant particularly suited for fall planting.

- Latin Name: Spinacia oleracea
- Life Cycle: Annual
- Days to Maturity: 20 baby leaves / 40-50 mature leaves
- Planting Depth: 1-2 cm
- Plant Spacing: 10-15 cm
- Row Spacing: 30-45 cm

GROWING INSTRUCTIONS

The leafy green nutritional powerhouse is productive and an easy crop to manage when started from seed. Spinach prefers the cool, so spring and fall direct sowings are ideal. Spinach should be planted very early in the spring. Its tolerance to cold temperatures gives it a big head start on the growing season.

Sow seeds when soil temperatures reach 4-5°C. Plant at 1 cm deep, every 5 cm. Arrange rows 30-45 cm apart. Consecutive plantings can be made every couple of weeks to produce a continuous supply through the spring. Spinach will not stand up well to the long hot days of summer. Get your crop in before or after. The green leaves will perform best under full sun or partial shade.

After sprouts are established, thin them to 8-10 cm apart. Use care when weeding, spinach roots are very shallow. It’s a good idea to mulch around the base of the plants and in between rows in order to protect the roots and retain moisture in the soil.

Water regularly, and supply more in times of heat or drought. An application of nitrogen fertilizer once a month will ensure healthy leaf production. Leaves can be harvested individually, from the outside in, or whole plants can be cut at the base.

Don’t wait too long to pick leaves, they quickly become bitter after reaching maturity. Beware the heat and long days. If spinach begins to bolt, cut the whole plant and use the leaves.

For a fall crop, sow in August when the temperature of the soil is less than 21°C. The leaves are incredibly hardy and can withstand temperatures as low as -9°C. This means you can enjoy the fresh taste and nutrition of spinach well into the winter!

QUICK FACTS

- Spinach was first cultivated in Persia, about 2,000 years ago. Spinach seeds were imported along the Silk Road to Italy during the ninth century and eventually reached England and France during the 1300s. Spinach quickly gained common use because it appeared in early spring when fresh local vegetables were not available.

- Spinach seeds will remain viable for 2 years if stored in a cool, dark place, ideally between 4 and 10⁰C. After that, the germination rate may start to go down.