Spinach (Spinacia oleracea) Datasheet

1. Common Name: Spinach

2. Scientific Name: Spinacia oleracea

3. Family: Amaranthaceae

4. Origin: Native to Central & Western Asia, first recorded in Mesopotamia; introduced to Europe via Persia and the Arab world

5. Zone Hardiness: USDA Zones 3–9; cool-season annual, occasionally perennial in mild climates

6. Light Requirements: Full sun to partial shade; thrives in cooler weather (50–60 °F)

7. Water Needs: Moderate; evenly moist soil required, especially during germination

8. Soil Preferences: Rich, well-drained loam; pH 6.0–7.5

9. "Ponics" Compatibility:

   • Aquaponics: Compatible

   • Aeroponics: Compatible

   • Hydroponics: Compatible – thrives in nutrient-film and deep-water culture systems

   • Preferred Method: NFT or DWC for high yields in compact systems

10. Growth Habit: Fast-growing annual forming rosettes of large leaves; dioecious with male/female flowers on separate plants

11. Height & Spread: Up to ~12″ (30 cm); leaves 2–30 cm long

12. Time from Germination to Harvest: 30–50 days for baby leaves; full leaves ready in 45–60 days

13. Flowering Time: June to September in warm seasons; wind-pollinated inconspicuous flowers

14. Edible Parts: Leaves are eaten fresh or cooked; tender stems occasionally used

15. Medicinal Uses: High in vitamins A, C, K, folate, iron, magnesium, and antioxidants like lutein and flavonoids; supporting bone health, eye health, and anti-inflammatory benefits

16. Companion Plants: Good with strawberries, peas, radishes, and carrots; repels pests like aphids and slugs

17. Pest & Disease Resistance: Susceptible to downy mildew, leaf miners, and bolting; use crop rotation, good drainage, and disease-resistant varieties

18. Harvest Time: Begin when leaves are 4–6″; successive cut-and-come-again harvesting every 1–2 weeks; refrigerate up to one week, blanch and freeze for long-term

19. Propagation Methods: Direct sow ½″ deep, 1–4″ apart; germinates in 7–14 days depending on temperature

20. Sustainability Features: Low-input crop rich in nutrition; can be grown year-round in controlled environments; recycles nutrients well in hydroponic systems

21. Culinary Uses: Eaten raw in salads and smoothies; cooked in sautés, soups, quiches, omelets, curries, lasagna, and dips

22. Fun Fact: China produced about 93% of the world’s 33 million tonnes of spinach in 2022!

Acadia (Semi‑Savoy Hybrid)
Flavor Profile: Tender, medium‑green leaves with mild spinach flavor.
Culinary Uses: Perfect for baby-leaf salads and sandwiches.
Notes: Fast-growing; harvest in 27 days; resistant to bolting and downy mildew 
Planting Tip: Ideal for early spring or fall; succession plant every few weeks.
Days to Maturity: ~27 days (baby leaves), ~45 days (full size)

Bloomsdale Longstanding (Savoy-Type Heirloom)
Flavor Profile: Rich and earthy with thick crinkled leaves.
Culinary Uses: Sauté, soups, hearty dishes.
Notes: Slow-bolting savoy heirloom; glossy dark-green leaves; well-liked for flavor .
Planting Tip: Great for late spring; can overwinter with mulch.
Days to Maturity: ~48 days

Space (Smooth-Leaf Hybrid)
Flavor Profile: Mild and slightly sweet with smooth texture.
Culinary Uses: Freezing, salads, baby-leaf mixes.
Notes: Fast-growing; moderately bolt-resistant; smooth medium-dark leaves .
Planting Tip: Succession planting extends harvest season.
Days to Maturity: ~25–30 days

Teton (Semi‑Savoy Heirloom)
Flavor Profile: Deep green with classic spinach taste.
Culinary Uses: Salads, cooking, freezing.
Notes: Upright plant; mildew-resistant; slow to bolt .
Planting Tip: Early spring sowing for best performance.
Days to Maturity: ~42–46 days

Regiment (Savoy Hybrid)
Flavor Profile: Sweet and tender savoy texture.
Culinary Uses: Baby leaf harvests, gourmet salads.
Notes: Dense plant; downy mildew resistant; good for tight spacing .
Planting Tip: Ideal for baby greens; space at 3–4″ for microgreens.
Days to Maturity: ~30 days

Hammerhead (Savoy F1 Hybrid)
Flavor Profile: Bold savory taste with dark, crinkled leaves.
Culinary Uses: Sautéing, soups, hearty dishes.
Notes: Fast-growing; downy mildew resistance; round cupped leaves .
Planting Tip: Succession sowing every 2–3 weeks.
Days to Maturity: ~27 days

Auroch (Smooth F1 Hybrid)
Flavor Profile: Rich, mild spinach flavor in smooth-textured leaves.
Culinary Uses: Baby leaves for salads and garnishes.
Notes: Upright, fast; bolt-prone; excellent downy mildew resistance .
Planting Tip: Plant in cooler weather to avoid bolting.
Days to Maturity: ~24 days

America (Savoy Heirloom)
Flavor Profile: Classic spinach taste with dense savoy texture.
Culinary Uses: Cooking and freezing.
Notes: Heat-tolerant, slow to bolt; ideal for spring plantings .
Planting Tip: Great for early succession and warmer climates.
Days to Maturity: ~40–45 days