Merlo Nero Spinach leaves in a wooden bowl on a white background.
Huge Merlo Nero Spinach leaves with a cut leaf on wood board on a blue background.
A little boy smiles as he looks at his harvest of Merlo Nero Spinach in the Baker Creek greenhouse.
Hands holding a freshly harvested bouquet of Merlo Nero Spinach
Merlo Nero Spinach leaves in a wooden bowl on a white background.
Huge Merlo Nero Spinach leaves with a cut leaf on wood board on a blue background.
A little boy smiles as he looks at his harvest of Merlo Nero Spinach in the Baker Creek greenhouse.
Hands holding a freshly harvested bouquet of Merlo Nero Spinach

Spinach Seeds,
Merlo Nero

4.215 ReviewsSKU: #SP105Min. seed count: 250
Price
Regular price $3.00
Regular price $0.00 Sale price $3.00
Save $-3
/
FREE SHIPPING IN THE U.S.A.
Faster shipping options also available.
Description

(Spinacia oleracea). A fine-flavored Italian spinach that has dark green, savoyed leaves. This productive variety is fairly early. Rare in the U.S.

Growing Tips: Merlo Nero spinach is an Italian heirloom variety known for its dark green, savoyed leaves. It thrives in cooler weather and is quite hardy, making it suitable for early spring or late fall planting. This spinach variety prefers full sun but can tolerate partial shade, especially in warmer climates to avoid bolting.

Plant Details

Botanical Name
Spinacia oleracea
Life Cycle
Annual
Sun Requirement
6–10 hr.
Days to Germinate
7–14
Days to Maturity
40–45
Planting Depth
½ in.
Plant Spacing
6–8 in.
Ideal Temperature
45–75°F
Frost Hardy
Yes

When to Grow

Merlo Nero spinach should be planted in late winter/early spring, just as soon as the soil can be worked. It performs best when temperatures range between 45-75 F. It will also do well when planted in late summer/early fall. This variety can tolerate light frost, which makes it a great choice for overwintering in mild climates. If you’re not sure how to find your area's first and last frost dates, consult our blog post 'Our Experts Answer Questions, Share Resources.'

How to Sow and Plant

To sow Merlo Nero spinach, plant the seeds directly in the ground at a depth of about 1/4 inch. Space the seeds about 2 inches apart in rows that are 12-18 inches apart. Thin the seedlings to about 6-8 inches apart once they develop a few true leaves to provide adequate space for growth.

How to Grow

This spinach variety prefers well-draining, fertile soil rich in organic matter. Adding compost or aged manure before planting can significantly boost growth. Mulching around the plants can help retain moisture and prevent weeds. Regular watering is important, especially in dry conditions, to prevent bolting. Avoid overhead watering to reduce the risk of fungal diseases.

How to Save Seeds

  • 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).

FAQ

Can Merlo Nero spinach tolerate frost?

Yes, it can withstand light frost, making it suitable for late winter or early spring.

How do you prevent Merlo Nero spinach from bolting?

Planting in cooler weather and providing consistent moisture will help prevent bolting. In warmer areas, consider growing in partial shade.

Can Merlo Nero spinach be grown in containers?

Yes, it can be grown in containers, provided they are large enough (at least two gallons per plant). Place the container in a location that receives full sun to partial shade and keep the soil consistently moist.

Browse our full range of spinach seeds.

Customer reviews

4.2 / 5 15 Reviews

What gardeners are saying

  • Rich spinach flavor: Delicious raw in salads or cooked into omelets.

  • Cold hardy: Shrugs off snow and keeps producing into December.

  • Easy to start: Germinates well and grows fast in cool weather.

  • Prolific in cool weather: Plenty of leaves for salads before the heat sets in.

  • Heads up: Bolts quickly once heat arrives; grow it in spring and fall.

You may also like