Spinach Seeds,
Gigante d' Inverno

Gigante d'Inverno spinach is best sown in late summer to early fall, roughly 6 to 8 weeks before your first frost, for large, broad leaves well into the fall and winter months. Long summer days and hot conditions cause plants to bolt, so an early-spring sowing as soon as the soil can be worked is only a secondary, short-window crop that must be cut before summer heat. In milder climates, this variety can be grown throughout winter, as it can withstand frost and cooler temperatures better than other spinach varieties. If you're not sure how to find your area's day length or first and last frost dates, consult our blog post 'Our Experts Answer Questions, Share Resources.'

To sow Gigante d'Inverno spinach, plant seeds about 1/2 inch deep and 2-4 inches apart. Space rows 12-18 inches apart to give the plants ample room to grow. For container gardening, use a pot at least 6 inches deep to accommodate the roots. Thin seedlings to about 6-8 inches apart once they have a few true leaves. Mulching can help retain moisture and protect the plants during cold spells.

Gigante d'Inverno spinach requires consistent moisture, so water regularly to keep the soil evenly moist but not waterlogged. This will ensure that the leaves are tender and prevent the plant from bolting prematurely. Fertilizing with a balanced fertilizer or compost before planting and during the growing season will support robust growth. Providing some shade during unexpected warm periods can help maintain leaf quality.

• In spring, plants will grow tall and bloom (or bolt) as soon as the days are longer than 14 hours. Heat also speeds up bolting, since spinach prefers temperatures between 35 and 75 degrees.
• Commercial spinach seed crops are separated by 5-10 miles. Spinach pollen is so fine that it easily penetrates mesh screening, but is severely restricted by spun polyester fabric.
• Plants are either male or female. Maintain a ratio of one male to two female plants, though this is hard to determine until the seed stalks have formed. Close plantings in wide beds will provide the greatest chance that the ratio will be hit.
• Starting at the bottom of the plants, strip off the seeds (using gloves for the prickly type) in an upward motion, letting them fall into a bag.
• Allow to completely dry and store.
• They will retain 50% germination for up to 5 years when stored in ideal conditions (cool, dry, and dark).