Longstanding Bloomsdale Untreated Spinach

SPINACH - for fresh market, freezing and canning

Sow at 10-12 lbs/5-5.4 kg per acres; oz/28 g sows about 100 ft/31 m of row.

CULTURE: Spinach is a fast growing, easy to grow, cool weather crop. Seed germinates easily in cold ground and prefers soil temps. of 38-40°F/3-4°C for maximum results. Good emergence can also be obtained at between 50-60°F/10-16°C. At soil temps. of over 65°F/18°C you will get faster sprouting but a sharp decrease in germination. Sow seed outside as soon as you can get on the ground in early April until early May. Large growers should make several sowings, 7 days apart for a continuous supply. Do not sow from June 15th until July 15th. Spinach will bolt to seed during long day length and warm weather conditions. Sometimes you can get away with a late June sowing if weather is unseasonably cool during July. Cool weather will reduce that long day effect.

SOW SEED: 0.5 in/13 mm deep at 2 seeds per in/25 mm. Thin plants to 6 in/15 cm apart in the row. Space rows 12-18 in/31-46 cm apart. Spinach likes a fertile, moist, well drained soil with a pH of 5.5 to 7.5.

FERTILIZER: Broadcast at 400 lbs/181 kg of 15-15-15 per acre and work in before seeding. Side dress several times with the same 1.5 in/4 cm from the row in bands 2.5 in/6 cm deep during growing season. Light applications of Nitrogen are good for late crops.

HARVEST: Spinach is quick growing, cut young leaves at 0.5 in/13 mm above ground level about 45 days after seeding.

FREEZING: Use tender young leaves, wash thoroughly, blanch for 1 1/2 min. Cool, pack, drain and freeze.