Spinach, Bloomsdale - 1 lb

Maturity 43 days. A sweet, non-bitter flavor raw or cooked. Thick-textured, crinkled, glossy, dark green leaves. Semi-upright plants, slow to bolt. Handles hot weather better than others.

Timing

Plant Bloomsdale Spinach seeds in Texas either in early spring, as soon as the soil can be worked, or in late summer to early fall. Aim for about 6-8 weeks before the first expected frost in fall for a winter harvest.

Site Selection

Choose a site with full sun to partial shade. Spinach prefers well-draining soil with a pH between 6.5 and 7.0. If your soil is heavy clay, consider raised beds or containers for better drainage.

Soil Preparation

Work the soil to a depth of at least 8 inches and mix in plenty of organic matter, such as compost or aged manure, to improve fertility and drainage.

Sowing Seeds

Sow seeds directly into the ground, about ½ inch deep, and 2 inches apart in rows. Rows should be spaced about 12-18 inches apart. Water the soil gently but thoroughly after planting.

Watering

Keep the soil consistently moist but not waterlogged. Mulching around the plants can help retain soil moisture and control weeds.

Thinning

Once seedlings are about 2 inches tall, thin them to stand 4-6 inches apart. This gives each plant enough space to grow.

Fertilization

Apply a balanced, slow-release fertilizer at planting time, following package instructions. Spinach does not require heavy fertilization.

Pest and Disease Management

Monitor for common pests like aphids and slugs. Use appropriate organic or chemical controls only as needed. Practice crop rotation to prevent disease buildup.

Harvesting

Begin harvesting leaves when they are large enough to eat, typically in 6-8 weeks from planting. You can pick individual leaves or cut the whole plant at the base.

Succession Planting

For a continuous harvest, plant a new batch of seeds every 2 weeks during the growing season.