Spinach Red Cardinal F1 (GS)

Culture

Spinach grows in a wide range of soils if moist and fertile, but is sensitive to acidity. pH should be at least 6.0, preferably 6.5-7.5.

Sowing

Spinach germinates best in cool soil. Begin sowing in early spring as soon as the ground can be worked. Summer sowing in soil over 85°F (30°C) risks low or erratic germination! Sow late in Feb (Inside) July (Ouside) into September for the fall crop. Spinach can also be planted from September until freeze-up for an early harvest the following spring; floating row covers offer effective winter protection.

Planting and Harvest

For bunching and full size: Sow 10 seeds/ft., 1/2" deep, rows 12-18" apart. Harvest spinach full size but before bolting, cutting just below root attachment for "rooted spinach", or cut higher for "clipped spinach". For baby leaf: Sow in a 2-4" wide band, 3/4" apart, about 40 seeds/ft. Clip small leaves in 3-5 weeks, depending on time of year and speed of growth. Triple-rinse leaves, sort out cut and broken leaves, and package. For a continuous supply, sow every 7 days.