Spinach, 'Giant Winter' ('Gigante de Invierno')

Germination

For Baby Leaf may be sown year round, sow April-Oct. directly, Oct-Mar. under glass. For mature crops sow outdoors from early spring to autumn. Can be started early indoors, sow about 3-4 weeks before last frost. Ideal germination temp. 21°C. For sowing directly, sow into a well prepared seed bed with plenty of added compost, where the soil has been loosened to 30cm depth and raked to a fine tilth. Sow heavily 12mm deep into a drill, 20cm spacing, drills 30cm apart. Cover with soil. Germination 7-14 days, more if the temperature is very cold. Avoid sowing in very hot weather where germination rate can be as low as 50%. Succesive sow for continual crops.

Growing

Cover with netting or fleece to prevent bird or insect attacks. Prefers cold weather, hot weather can cause bolting. Try to water the base of the plant only to help prevent downy mildew. Water frequently, 2 x day. In very windy or cold weather cloche or fleece protection could be offered.

Cultivation

Harvest leaves continually once they are large enough to pick. Try to prevent running to seed or bolting as leaves will be unusable.