Spinacia oleracea Seeds | Spinach
LATIN NAME: Spinacia oleracea
COMMON NAME: Spinach
Plant Profile
Spinach (Spinacia oleracea) is a distinctive species in the amaranth family. Spinach greens fast, low plants with broad, oval, dark-green leaves that rise from short crown in dense rosette, the whole plant carrying the fresh, leafy form. It grows quickly from seed, and it stands cool weather well. It likes sun or part shade, and rich, moist, well-drained soil. All of this makes Spinach a satisfying plant to grow and to get to know.
Science & Biotechnology
Like other members of the amaranth family, Spinacia oleracea draws steady attention from botanists and plant breeders, who value the genus both as a subject of research and as a source of garden-worthy material. Nutritionists value iron and leaf vitamins, while food scientists note tender, fresh leaves. Species like this one find a second career as research material, especially in propagation and breeding work.
Uses & Benefits
Spinach brings genuine presence to the garden and earns its keep across the growing season. In kitchen garden, spinach greens table with fresh leaves all season. It grows well in rich, moist, well-drained ground. Fresh leaves come within the season. Beyond the establishment year, its needs are simple and few.
Spinach is the iron-and-folate leaf of legend, and though the Popeye numbers were overstated, its lutein, nitrates and vitamin K make it a genuinely functional green.
Growing from Seed
Starting Spinach from seed is simple and satisfying. A simple routine works well: sow evenly over the surface and cover lightly in a loose, well-drained seed compost, maintain even moisture, and provide partial shade. Pot the young plants on as they grow, harden them off gradually, and plant them into their final positions when sturdy.
Our Take
It is a solid representative of the Spinacia group, true to type from seed. The medicinal tradition behind this species, outlined above, is a large part of its interest. Give the seed freshness and steady moisture, and nature handles the rest.
Related Reading
More species in the same orbit as Spinach: