Spinacia oleracea
Family: Chenopodiacea

A number of vegetables are known as 'spinach'. True spinach (Spinacia oleracea) is very popular in many counties. This pot herb is grown for its edible leaves, which have many uses. A warm spinach salad is delicious, and spinach is often an important ingredient in gnocchi, quiches and roulades, as well as Middle Eastern dishes. It is an excellent source of fiber, vitamins and iron. It is believed spinach was first grown by the Persians in the 6th century and it was introduced to Europe by the Arabs in the 11th century.

Varieties

There are many cultivars available for sowing at different times of year: spring, summer and autumn. Make sure you choose a cultivar suitable for a particular sowing time.

Cultivation

Spinach is an annual vegetable which can be grown in any well-drained, yet most soil in an open, sunny situation. It is raised from seeds sown in cropping positions during the period late winter to midsummer. It does not perform too well in very warm climates, soon running to seed. However, there are special cultivars available for summer sowing. Prepare 2 cm (34 in) deep drills at 30 cm (12 in) apart. Sow seed 5 cm (2 in) apart in the drills and thin seedlings to 15 cm (6 in) apart. Seeds can be sown at intervals of three weeks to ensure a succession of leaves. Harvesting can start about eight weeks from sowing. Very hardy cultivars can be sown in early autumn for leaves in early spring.

Climate

Zone 5.