Spinach the best varieties

Spinach among other vegetable crops compares favorably with early maturity. This culture is not capricious, it is not too demanding for growing conditions. To grow spinach in the garden, and in its absence - on the windowsill is within the power of anyone who wishes. It is also just a godsend for those who adhere to a healthy lifestyle - it is extremely useful and low in calories.

Spinach cultivation history

Spinach is a genus of annual herbaceous plants belonging to the Amaranth family. In nature, it is found mainly in Central Asia and the Middle East. It was there that humanity became acquainted with this culture. Soon, along the Great Silk Road, spinach came to China, and the knights-crusaders brought it to Europe around the 13th century.

The health benefits of spinach have been known for a very long time.

For the next three centuries, spinach was grown mainly in Spanish and Italian monasteries, deservedly considered a useful addition to the lean menu. It was brought into fashion among the aristocracy of Europe by Catherine de Medici, who became the French queen thanks to her marriage to Henry II of Valois. She loved spinach so much that she demanded it be served with every meal. Spinach bread and juice became especially popular at the court.

Spinach bread, fashioned by Catherine de Medici, is still popular today.

Spinach experienced a new boom in popularity at the beginning of the 20th century. This plant has become especially popular in the United States. The reason for this is a trivial mistake. One of the researchers who studied the beneficial properties of spinach, incorrectly recorded the number, forgetting to separate the whole part from the decimal fraction. As a result, the iron content in it "increased" tenfold, reaching record levels. The incredible hype gradually subsided, but the United States is still the largest consumer of spinach in the world (China is second).

Spinach is widely grown commercially in the United States and China.

In Russia (then the Russian Empire), spinach got in the 50s of the 18th century, but did not take root.It was not known to the peasants at all, the upper classes were used exclusively as a tribute to fashion.

What spinach looks like and what is useful

Spinach is a short plant, stretching up to 20–25 cm. Its stems are smooth, "branching" depends on the variety. The lower leaves are almost triangular in shape, resembling an arrowhead, the upper leaves (those that are used for food) are broadly oval, sometimes with a pointed tip. They are smooth or slightly rough to the touch.

Spinach leaves are cut individually or in whole rosettes as they ripen

Both "male" and "female" flowers are formed on the plant. The former are located in the axils of the leaves, being collected in dense "balls", the latter form a loose inflorescence in the form of a spike or a brush of greenish color. Then small spherical fruits ripen, sometimes they are "welded" to each other by 2-3, but do not form bunches. Spinach is notable for its early maturity - it rarely takes more than two months from the emergence of seedlings to ripening of fruits.

After flowering, spinach leaves are not suitable for human consumption.

Practice shows that spinach belongs to the group of short-day plants. In this case, the leaves are larger, juicier and fleshy. The concentration of vitamin C reaches its peak by noon - during this time it is recommended to cut the rosettes. The crop is harvested when 5-8 true leaves are formed.

The health benefits of spinach are due to the presence of saturated and unsaturated organic acids, fiber, vitamins A, B, C, E, K, P, PP in an easily digestible form. Of the trace elements, sodium, potassium, magnesium, manganese, selenium, copper, iodine, iron, zinc are present in high concentration. Spinach helps to normalize the functioning of the stomach and intestines, get rid of excess weight, increase the level of hemoglobin in the blood, reduce fatigue, and increase efficiency. It is recommended for use with high blood pressure, problems with the nervous system (insomnia, chronic stress, anxiety syndrome). It has been scientifically proven to have an anti-inflammatory and tonic effect.

Spinach does not have a distinct taste. Most of its critics rightly call it tasteless. However, spinach lovers argue that there is still a taste, and each variety has its own, special.

Spinach retains its natural bright green hue in all dishes

Spinach is also widely used in cooking. In addition to fresh consumption, it can be boiled, baked, canned, dried. It is also included in many first and second courses, cold appetizers, sauces. During the heat treatment, spinach retains its bright green color, so any dish looks very elegant. As a natural coloring agent, it is used to add color to cake creams.

Video: health benefits of spinach leaves

Spinach varieties popular among gardeners

Spinach, along with radish, is considered one of the earliest growing horticultural crops. But selection does not stand still, so new varieties of it constantly appear, including those with reduced ripening periods.

Early spinach

Early spinach is harvested within 18-30 days after planting seeds in the ground. Most varieties are also suitable for sowing before winter. The following varieties are most popular with gardeners:

• Virofle. Differs in unpretentiousness even in comparison with "relatives". Plant height - up to 30 cm, rosette diameter is about the same. The main disadvantage is the tendency to shoot. The variety is intended exclusively for sowing in early spring, suitable for growing both outdoors and in a greenhouse. Does not suffer from lack of heat and sunlight. Lime-colored leaves.
• Godry. Usually grown indoors (greenhouses, hotbeds). To disembark in open beds, you will have to wait for the beginning of May. The disadvantage is the tendency to early flowering. The rosette is quite compact, with a diameter of 18–22 cm. The vegetative period is 18–24 days.
• Gigantic. The variety is one of the most popular in Russia. The leaves are ready for use within 30–35 days after planting the seeds, but the first rosettes can be cut off within 15–28 days. It is widely used for canning, as it does not lose its taste during heat treatment. Seeds can be planted both in spring and before winter - the variety is cold-resistant, does not pay attention to sudden changes in temperature. The leaves are elongated, fleshy, the diameter of the rosette reaches 45-50 cm.
• Marquis. The vegetative period does not exceed 35 days. The variety is versatile - it can be grown both indoors and outdoors, the seeds are planted from April to September. Leaves are oval, slightly corrugated. The concentration of vitamins and trace elements is very high, the benefits are preserved when frozen, canned, heat treated.
• Stoic. The variety is valued for its high yield (2-3 kg of leaves per 1 m²) and resistance to unfavorable climatic and weather factors (including short-term drops in temperature to 0 ° C). In Russia, it began to be grown one of the first and has not lost its popularity for more than two decades. Ideal for cultivation in temperate regions. The main disadvantage is the exactingness of watering and lighting. When grown at home, supplementary lighting is required.
• Strawberry. It is considered one-year, but shoots may well appear the next season if the roots of the plant remain in the garden. The leaves are thin, not too fleshy, the edge is serrate. The root system is developed, it is quite difficult to pull the bush out of the ground. The fruits are bright scarlet, from a distance they look like strawberries.
• Uteusha. Ukrainian hybrid, bred relatively recently. The leaves grow literally before our eyes, the yield is very high.

Photo gallery: early spinach varieties

Mid-season varieties

The ripening period of mid-ripening spinach varieties stretches for 35-60 days. To speed up the process, it is recommended to pre-germinate the seeds by soaking them for 1-2 days in a pale pink solution of potassium permanganate. The following varieties are most popular in Russia:

• Bloomsdel F1. One of the newest Dutch breeding hybrids. Plants do not shoot, the harvest depends little on the vagaries of the weather. The culture does not suffer from frosts, torrential rains, and other unpleasant surprises. The rosette is rather large, up to 25 cm in diameter. Leaves are fleshy, rich green with small rounded specks of salad shade (the so-called bubbles).
• Fatty. The achievement of Russian breeders is characterized by high yields. Easily adapts to almost any climatic and weather conditions. The growing season is 35–40 days, the diameter of the rosette is 25–28 cm. The leaves are rich green, smooth to the touch.
• Strong guy. The leaves are ready for consumption no later than 40 days after planting the seeds. The rosette is compact, 23–25 cm in diameter. The leaves are semi-raised, light green, glossy. The variety is very hygrophilous, so watering the plants requires regular and timely watering. A significant plus is genetically built immunity against mold and rot.
• Matador. The variety is originally from the Czech Republic. Does not shoot. The leaves look very attractive - juicy, fleshy, crunchy. They are painted bright green with a grayish undertone, smooth, glossy. The growing season lasts 35-50 days. The rosette is compact, with a diameter of 25–27 cm. The variety is not distinguished by high drought resistance, but it is immune to most diseases typical for a culture, and is insensitive to waterlogging of the soil and low temperatures.
• Mariska. The variety is valued for its cold hardiness and high immunity. The growing season is 35–40 days. The leaves are large, juicy and very tender, with a high iodine content.
• Victoria. The growing season extends over 32–45 days. Seeds are planted from mid-spring to autumn.The variety is suitable for growing in open and closed ground, practically not affected by mold. The bushes are compact, the rosettes are small, with a diameter of 18–20 cm. The plant gratefully responds to complex nitrogen-phosphorus-potassium fertilizers with a sharp increase in yield.

Photo Gallery: Medium Ripen Spinach Varieties

Late spinach varieties

Many gardeners prefer to grow late varieties of spinach. Practice shows that its leaves are more juicy and crunchy. This is due to the fact that the weather at the end of summer is cool, the days are getting shorter. Therefore, the plant directs all its forces to the formation of greenery, and not to the ripening of fruits.

Of the late varieties, the following are common:

• Corenta F1. The variety is intended for outdoor cultivation only. The rosettes are large, the leaves are of a deep dark green color. Productivity depends little on weather conditions, but proper watering is required.
• Spokane F1 is considered by most experts to be the best of the late varieties. It is widely grown abroad on an industrial scale. Ecological "plasticity" allows getting a bountiful harvest even in extremely unfavorable seasons from the point of view of weather conditions. Also, the variety is valued for its high immunity to fungal diseases; it is rarely attacked by pests. At the same time, plants are sensitive to moisture and light deficiencies. The surface of the leaf is slightly wrinkled, the edges are corrugated.
• Varangian. The socket is compact, half-raised. The leaves are almost round, bright green, the "bubbles" are pronounced. The taste is clearly distinguished by a slight sourness. The variety is well suited for preparing salads and first courses.

Photo Gallery: Late Spinach

Also, the so-called New Zealand spinach, known to botanists as tetragonia, is also often grown. It has nothing to do with ordinary spinach, they belong to different families. Nevertheless, tetragonia surpasses ordinary spinach in taste and the content of some trace elements. Its seeds are large (about the size of a child's fingernail), you will have to wait a long time for seedlings. Plant height - 0.8–1 m, stems very intensively branching, leaves are thick, triangular, the edge is carved with denticles.

New Zealand spinach is superior to the usual one in terms of the size of the bush and the benefits for health

There is also multi-leaved spinach, aka Zhminda... In Russia, he is practically unknown. In addition to useful leaves, berries ripen on the plant, which taste like mulberries. They are used for making compotes, preserves, and other homemade preparations.

Many-leaved spinach is not only healthy greens, but also delicious berries.

An interesting variety is Indian spinach, or Basella... It is also not a "relative" of regular spinach. In nature, this is a perennial plant, in central Russia it is grown as an annual. Its stems are curly. It is often cultivated at home as an indoor flower.

Indian spinach is more often grown not in the garden, but at home as an ornamental plant.

Planting procedure and preparation for it

Planting time for spinach depends on whether you plan to grow your crop outdoors or in a greenhouse. Most often, seeds are planted directly in the garden bed. To do this, you need to wait for the soil to warm up to at least 10 ° C. The sun is bright in spring, return frosts are not uncommon, therefore, it is advisable to install arcs over the garden bed and pull any air-permeable covering material on them. In order to have fresh greens at all times, spinach seeds are planted regularly at intervals of 2-3 weeks.

Spinach seeds can be purchased or harvested on their own without any problems, the only exceptions in the second case are hybrids.

Do not pull too long with planting spinach. In late May and June, when it is already hot enough outside, spinach forms arrows very quickly.

You can sow it in the fall, while it is important to be sure that at least one and a half to two months remains before the first cold weather. In this case, seedlings will appear practically from under the snow. Many consider this method more preferable, because if daylight hours increase to 12-14 hours, and the temperature rises above 20 ° C, flowers appear on the plant, after which the leaves are no longer suitable for human consumption.

Spinach prefers open, sunny areas, but tolerates light partial shade.

Soil spinach prefers light, neutral, sour and heavy is not categorically suitable. An open place is ideal for him, but he will also tolerate light partial shade. In the fall, the bed is dug up, to increase the fertility of the soil, humus, rotted compost are introduced into the substrate, or green manure plants are sown in advance. In spring, the soil is loosened well by adding mineral fertilizers - simple superphosphate (25–30 g / m²), potassium sulfate (15–20 g / m²), urea (10–15 g / m²).

You should not get carried away with nitrogen-containing fertilizers: spinach is able to accumulate nitrates in the leaves.

Urea, like other nitrogen-containing fertilizers, stimulates spinach to intensively build up green mass, but with an excess of this macroelement in the soil, nitrates accumulate in the leaves

Seed preparation is reduced to soaking them for several days in warm water. If technically possible, it is advisable to simultaneously saturate it with oxygen, using, for example, a compressor for an aquarium. Late varieties, as well as Victoria spinach, are especially tough.

The procedure for planting seeds directly into the ground will be as follows:

1. Seeds are sown both in the garden bed and in the greenhouse to a depth of about 2 cm with an interval of 6–8 cm. The distance between rows is 25–30 cm.
2. The soil must be moist, the grooves are well watered.
3. Seedlings appear in one and a half to two weeks. After the appearance of two true leaves, the seedlings are thinned out, leaving at least 10-12 cm between the plants.
4. The soil is regularly loosened, the garden is weeded.

Mulching your spinach bed saves you weeding time and watering

Video: planting spinach seeds

Seedling method

The earliest harvest can be obtained when planting spinach seeds for seedlings in the last decade of March or in April. But this method is not very popular among amateur gardeners. The seedlings have very fragile tender roots, they do not tolerate transplanting well, they leave it for a long time. In general, this method is advisable only for thermophilic varieties, for example, Matador spinach.

The procedure is similar to planting seeds in the ground:

1. Prepare plastic or peat cups filled with a mixture of vermicompost or humus with any baking powder (sand, perlite, vermiculite, coconut fiber, dry sphagnum moss) in a 1: 2 ratio. A drainage layer 1.5–2.5 cm thick is required.
2. To increase germination, seeds are poured with water at room temperature for 2-3 days, changing it every 5-8 hours.

   Soaking spinach seeds before planting improves germination

3. Then, to prevent fungal infections, they are kept in a pale pink solution of potassium permanganate for several hours.
4. Before planting spinach seeds, be sure to dry them well.
5. In containers filled with a substrate, the seeds are buried by a maximum of 1–1.5 cm.
6. The soil is carefully compacted and a "greenhouse" is created by covering the glass with glass or polyethylene.
7. Until emergence, containers are kept warm and dark.
8. After the sprout appears, they are rearranged to the brightest place in the apartment. To prevent the seedlings from stretching, coolness is desirable. The substrate should be moderately moist at all times.

Spinach successfully survives in the spring even on an uninsulated loggia.

Video: planting spinach seedlings in the ground

Culture care

Spinach is notable for its early maturity, therefore, it does not require particularly careful care. The plant is hygrophilous, the most important for it is regular and timely watering. To retain moisture in the soil, the substrate is mulched.This same procedure can save you time on weeding. Also, we must not forget about the construction of a shelter if the air temperature rises above 27 ° C. Any white covering material is quite suitable for a canopy.

Spinach is watered three times a week, and if it is hot outside and there is no rain - twice a day, early in the morning and late in the evening. To do this, it is advisable to use a special sprinkler unit or a watering can with a splitter nozzle. 8-10 liters of water are consumed per running meter of a bed.

Regular and timely watering of spinach is the most important in crop care

Feeding spinach

Spinach reacts positively to any feeding. But it is important not to overdo it with them, since the plant can accumulate nitrates in the leaves. If the bed has been prepared correctly, and the soil is fertile enough, you can do without fertilizers altogether. Otherwise, it is advisable to use natural organic matter or other natural remedies. Infusions of cow dung, bird droppings, nettle or dandelion leaves are popular with gardeners (in general, any weeds can be used). Feeding is prepared for 3-5 days, before use it is diluted with water in a ratio of 1: 8 or 1:15, if dung served as raw material. An excess of phosphorus and potassium is undesirable, this provokes rapid shooting.

Nettle infusion is a popular organic fertilizer

Spinach is sensitive to boron in the substrate. With its deficit, growth points die off. To avoid this, 10-12 days after the emergence of seedlings, the garden bed is watered with a solution of boric acid (1 g per liter of water).

Harvesting

The spinach crop is rosettes with 5–8 leaves. It is impossible to hesitate in collecting it - the leaves become coarse, dry. The sockets are cut off only during the day, the leaves must be dry. Covered with dew, they break very easily and quickly rot. You can also gently root out the plants or cut off individual leaves. To maximize the productive period, the tops of the shoots of adult plants are pinched. This stimulates branching and inhibits the formation of arrow-peduncles. After flowering, spinach is unsuitable for food.

Fresh spinach spoils very quickly, even in the refrigerator, the leaves will lie for a maximum of a week. To extend the shelf life, greens are dried, frozen, and canned. Spinach retains its natural bright green hue, the benefits are not lost for 6-8 months.

Frozen spinach takes up little space, is stored for a long time and practically does not lose its benefits

Growing spinach at home

Spinach is a fairly compact plant, so it can be grown in a regular flower pot. In this case, preference is given to early varieties with fleshy leaves. His root system is superficial, so he does not need a voluminous and deep capacity. A prerequisite is the presence of drainage holes and a layer of expanded clay at the bottom of the pot.

In spring and summer, spinach can perfectly exist on an open loggia or balcony without additional lighting. But in winter, it is imperative to use ordinary fluorescent or special phytolamps, artificially extending daylight hours to 10-12 hours. The plant will suit any store substrate of a neutral acid-base reaction without peat. Another option is to mix it yourself from vermicompost and chopped coconut fiber (1: 2).

Spinach, like any other greens, can be grown not only in the garden, but also at home.

But even when cultivated in "captivity", it will not work to extend the productive life of the bush by more than one and a half to two months. After 4–5 cut rosettes, a flower arrow is sure to form. The crop is harvested every 7-10 days.

Seeds are planted in the same way as when growing spinach seedlings. At first, seedlings do not show high growth rates, but this is the norm. The growth of green mass increases sharply 15–20 days after germination.

Further care of the seedlings is reduced to regular watering (the soil should be constantly moderately moist, but not wet) and daily spraying. The plant does not need fertilizing. The first harvest can be expected 3-5 weeks after germination. The optimum temperature for growing spinach is 18–20 ° C, it must be protected from direct sunlight. Shade or partial shade does not affect the yield and quality of the leaves.

Video: spinach on the windowsill

Common diseases and pests

Most of the new varieties and hybrids of spinach possess genetic immunity against the most dangerous diseases for the culture - various types of mold and rot. But he is often affected by other fungal diseases. Sometimes the gardener himself is to blame for this, abundantly watering the plants or overfeeding them with nitrogen.

Table: Typical Spinach Diseases

Photo gallery: how spinach diseases manifest

Spinach pests

Spinach leaves are often attacked by pests that feed on plant juices. The most common ones are:

• aphid;
• caterpillar of a butterfly butterfly;
• miner fly.

Affected leaves become covered with small discolored spots, dry and fall off.

Photo gallery: pests dangerous for spinach

An effective preventive measure is spraying with any pungent-smelling infusions every 3-5 days. Having found pests, the frequency of treatments is increased up to 3-4 times a day. As raw materials for the sprayer, you can use:

• arrows of onions, garlic;
• peel of oranges;
• red hot pepper;
• mustard powder;
• tops of tomatoes;
• marigold greens and wormwood.

Reviews of gardeners

The health benefits of spinach have long been scientifically proven. Humanity has long "domesticated" this culture and successfully grows it in garden plots. Difficulties with harvesting, as a rule, do not arise, because spinach is not a particularly capricious plant, it does not impose unrealistic requirements for the conditions of maintenance and care. The culture is also popular with breeders who are constantly developing new varieties with improved characteristics.

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Spinach is a popular vegetable in the garden, which is used by many to prepare salads, as well as first and second courses. It has many species, including gigantic, watery, fat-leaved and others, which differ among themselves not only in ripening time, but also in optimal planting conditions and taste characteristics.

Spinach history and culture features

Spinach is an annual herb that belongs to the group of the Amaranth family. Its homeland is Ancient Persia, and many Arabs considered it the most useful herb, so only the most noble wealthy families used it as a delicacy.

Spinach was introduced to European countries only in the Middle Ages, and for the first time it was grown by Spanish monks. They cultivated the plant for a long time in their gardens, which made it possible to obtain many species. In the 17th century, juice and bread from this herb became the most popular in the market.

The bread was baked from flour extracted from the seeds, and the juice, due to its rich green color, was widely used in cooking. So, for example, in Spain it was used for coloring pasta and other products - sauces, creams, cream, vegetable or animal oil.

This plant quickly gained popularity among various European countries, and in our country it has been cultivated for about 200 years. It gained great popularity and distribution due to the simplicity of growing, unpretentiousness and lack of difficulty in care.

After planting, spinach is harvested when 5-8 leaves appear and the flowering of shoots is completed

Garden spinach is used fresh, and no more than 5-6 leaves are used in different dishes.

It pairs well with sorrel and is popular with vegetarians and nutritionists. Today it is also widely distributed in canned and dried form. First and second courses, vegetable salads are made from it, and also used to decorate various culinary masterpieces.

It is thanks to its many beneficial properties that many gardeners are faced with the question of how to grow spinach. For this, seeds are used, which are soaked in water for two days before planting. It grows well at a temperature of about 16-19 degrees, while it is not afraid of frost.

But before growing, it is important to choose a quality seed. It is complicated by the fact that today there are numerous types of spinach that are widespread in our region and differ in taste, harvest time and other qualities.

Video on how to grow Uteusha spinach

Among all varieties, three groups can be distinguished:

• early maturing;
• mid-season;
• late ripening.

It is optimal to plant all three varieties in the garden, which will allow you to get greens throughout the summer season.

Early ripening varieties

After planting, spinach is harvested when 5-8 leaves appear and the flowering of the shoots is completed. To do this, it is cut or mowed at the lower level, and also collected together with the roots. Certain species of this green plant produce good leaves as early as 2-3 weeks after sowing the seeds. Moreover, the seeds themselves ripen only after 90-110 days. You need to remove the greens before the arrow appears.

The most popular early maturing spinach varieties:

1. Godry. The growing season falls on a period of 32-37 days, but the plant produces leaves after 2-3 weeks. It is suitable for planting in early spring or late autumn. At the same time, it is recommended to grow it outdoors, since the variety is highly resistant to low temperatures and moderate climatic conditions.
2. Gigantic. A variety whose growing season is 30-35 days after sowing the seeds. It is one of the most famous, while harvesting can be carried out after 2 weeks. It can be used for planting in early spring or fall and is considered one of the best for making canned food.
3. Stoic. Spinach has been grown in our country only since 1995. It can be used for canning and adding to vegetable salads. The highest yield is obtained in the middle zone of our country with moderate climatic conditions. It reaches 2-3 kg per square meter of planting.
4. Virofle. This variety is prone to the rapid appearance of the stem, while the rosette of leaves reaches a diameter of 30 cm.It is planted mainly in early spring, since the plant is resistant to cold and low night temperatures.

Mid-season spinach gives viable and ready-to-harvest shoots only 30-60 days after planting the seeds

Spinach has many valuable substances, vitamins and minerals, so it is even more useful than celery. However, the cultivar does not affect the health benefits of the herb.

Mid-season varieties

Mid-season spinach gives viable and ready-to-harvest shoots only 30-60 days after planting the seeds. They come after the early ripening ones, so the summer resident can plant all of them at the same time, but harvest at different periods.

The most popular mid-season species:

1. Matador. Yields a harvest after 3 weeks, so it is well suited for sowing in spring and autumn. Differs in frost resistance, resistance to shooting, and also picky about moisture. Can be used in cooking, dried or frozen.
2. Strong guy.A mid-season variety capable of producing crops 25-30 days after planting in the ground. It can be used even in the northern regions of our country, since it is resistant to frost and the appearance of arrows. The leaves themselves have a wide range of applications, since they can be used boiled, fresh, dried or frozen.
3. New Zealand. Spinach is called tetragonia and belongs to the Khrustalnikov family. When grown, it reaches a meter in height, the stems spread along the ground, and the branches grow strongly. The leaves are very thick and fleshy, and the color is rich green, the shape of the leaves is jagged triangular. This type of grass is very demanding for light, warm climate and high humidity. The first shoots appear after 2-3 weeks, but good growth requires fertile soils. Such spinach yields many times, and cutting is done after 25-35 days.
4. Bloomsdelsky. A new Dutch variety, the rosette of which reaches a great height and a diameter of about 25 cm. The leaves are rich dark green, smooth, juicy and fleshy, and the bubbles on them are poorly expressed.
5. The Indian spinach variety is no less popular among gardeners. It belongs to the Lebedov family, while many very often grow it on a windowsill. The Indian species also has another name - Basella. In naturally humid and warm growing conditions, it is a perennial variety, but in harsh climates it has to be planted every year.

Spinach has many valuable substances, vitamins and minerals

Late-ripening varieties

The most popular late-ripening varieties:

1. Fatty. A spinach variety that yields a harvest one month after planting. It has an attractive appearance, since it has a compact rosette, the diameter of which reaches 20-28 cm. The leaves are smooth, the taste is rich, the aroma is light.
2. Victoria. The plant acquires leaves suitable for collection 30-35 days after planting the seeds. Possesses good resistance to shooting and powdery mildew. But for proper growth, it requires good moisture and soil feeding.
3. Spokane. A breeding hybrid species that is of Dutch origin. It is notable for its late ripeness, since the crop is harvested only 2 months after planting. Recommended for fresh consumption and for processing - canning.
4. Korenta. A well-known hybrid variety that features a powerful rosette.

Video plot about the trick of planting spinach

Another popular but not quite standard spinach is aquatic spinach. It belongs to the genus of flowering plants, which have a huge number of species. Under natural growing conditions, the aquatic variety looks like a liana with rare leaves and beautiful flowers. It is most common in tropical Asian countries, the aquatic species can grow at any height - from 0 to 1500 meters above sea level. But mainly its habitat is rivers, ponds, streams, rice fields, savannahs and landfills. The water variety is quite unpretentious, but it is very difficult to grow it in our climatic conditions.

There are numerous varieties of spinach - Indian, gigantic, aquatic, differing from each other in appearance, area of ​​growth, taste, as well as harvest time. That is why every gardener from such a variety will be able to choose the right one for himself.

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Spinach is a crop that is popular with many gardeners for its beneficial properties. This herb requires little maintenance and has many benefits. Nowadays, there are different types of greenery, differing in their characteristics and characteristics.The most common variety is strawberry spinach, which has become popular even with novice gardeners.

Useful properties of the plant

The popularity of this plant is due to its positive properties. The most important advantage is the presence of a mineral such as iron, which contributes to the saturation of the body's cells with oxygen and other nutrients. Leaves contain the following substances:

• flavonoids;
• sugar;
• proteins;
• amino acids;
• fats;
• vitamins - PP, C, K, B, E, P, A;
• minerals - magnesium, iron and potassium.

Based on its positive qualities, spinach is used in traditional medicine for the prevention and treatment of various diseases. So, a tincture from this plant helps to cope with the following health deviations:

• anemia;
• rickets in children;
• anemia;
• diabetes;
• deviations in the work of the gastrointestinal tract;
• depletion of the body;
• problems in the functionality of the intestines;
• heart failure;
• constipation;
• symptoms of retinal dystrophy.

Watch the video! How to avoid mistakes when growing. Benefits of spinach

The inclusion of these greens in the diet will lead to the normalization of the whole body. With regular use of foods containing this plant, you can stop the aging process of the body. Many doctors advise pregnant women to use it, as it contains folic acid. This substance helps to cope with harmful bacteria and viruses that can be a threat to the fetus.

The best spinach varieties

As already noted, the culture has different types, however, the most popular and widespread are the following:

Matador

A popular species, the shoots of which appear on the 40th or 50th day from the very beginning of their appearance. The mid-season variety has a semi-vertical and compact rosette. Spinach leaves have a gray-greenish tint, oval in shape, pleasant to the touch and smooth. The advantage of this variety is that it does not require special care; novice gardeners can also cope with the cultivation. The seeds of this variety are planted in the open field. This variety loves moisture, so you need to monitor the regularity of watering. The variety is resistant to flowering.

Fat-leaved

It belongs to late-ripening varieties, has bright green leaves that look very juicy and appetizing. This variety differs from others in the presence of weak bubbles on the leaves.

Strawberry

Strawberry spinach roots are thick and sturdy and very difficult to pull out of the ground. The leaf plates of this spinach differ in shape - they have small teeth. This variety is an annual, however, some gardeners leave stems that give growth. It got its name due to its appearance, as it resembles red strawberries.

Sturdy

It has a high yield; there are also small bubbles on the leaves of this variety. The variety is mid-season, with green leafy plates. The advantage of "Krepysh" is that it perfectly tolerates cold and loves moisture. You can achieve high yields through regular watering.

Gigantic

The earliest variety of spinach, the shoots of which appear after 2 weeks. The gigantic variety can be grown in greenhouse conditions, as well as in open ground. The width of the rosette depends on the degree of soil fertility. If this variety is grown in fertile soil, then the width of the rosette can reach half a meter. The leaf plates are juicy and fleshy, great for canning.

New Zealand

It is especially popular with summer residents, and belongs to an independent culture. The annual plant reaches a height of 1 meter, has fleshy leaf plates. The shape of the leaves is triangular and the color is dark green.

Fertilizer for spinach

To get a good harvest, you need to know the basic rules of growing and caring for a plant.During the cultivation process, it is necessary to fertilize the soil in order to get a healthy and good harvest. Before planting, the soil is fertilized with humus, in the amount of 6 kg per 1 square meter. A gardening store sells fertilizers that contain potassium and phosphorus. These minerals will enrich the soil with essential nutrients and nutrition and will have a strong effect on yield.

Important! Fertilizers must be used at the time of digging the earth.

If the soil is infertile, then fertilizers with minerals are added to the soil at the time of sowing the plant. So, for 1 square meter, you need to take the following substances:

• • • nitrogen - 10 g;
    • potassium - 13 g;
    • phosphorus - 5 g.

Advice! You should not get carried away with the use of fertilizers, since spinach leaves quickly absorb nitrates and can harm the body if improperly processed.

Fertilizers should be applied only when necessary.

Planting spinach outdoors

This plant is planted in two ways:

• • • seeds;
    • through seedlings.

Growing spinach from seeds is very popular with gardeners due to its ability to withstand severe frosts. Planting a plant with seeds should only be done when the snow has thawed. However, the growing season for spinach may vary depending on the climate. For example, in the middle lane, planting begins on April 15, but it is better to start growing after frost. Spinach can withstand temperatures as low as -8 degrees, in which case, you need to cover the beds with non-woven material.

Watch the video! Spring planting spinach in open ground

Before planting, many gardeners process the seeds. To disinfect spinach seeds, it is necessary to place them in a solution of potassium permanganate for about a day. After that, you need to remove the seeds and place them on a paper towel so that excess moisture is absorbed.

During planting, dig a hole of about 3 cm, but the distance between the rows should be at least 30 cm. The holes should be spaced 5 cm apart. Observing this distance, you can get a lush outlet. In addition, in this case, spinach will be easy to care for.

When to plant spinach, the gardener himself decides, based on climatic conditions. After warm days, you can start planting in mid-April. The last landing is carried out in early July. Greens in the beds will appear 2 weeks after sowing.

Interesting! Spinach is also planted before winter, since the greens are frost-resistant.

Growing spinach in greenhouse conditions

Seed spinach is planted in greenhouses in harsh climates. In the event that the gardener has the opportunity, he can build a special structure in which greens are grown. Greenhouse conditions for growing spinach involve the use of boiling water for watering the plants. The holes should not be more than two centimeters deep. After sowing the seeds into the hole, cover with earth and lay out agrofibre. As soon as shoots appear, you can remove the material. The spinach is planted along with lettuce, radishes and onions.

Spinach care

During the planting process, it is necessary to take care of the plant in order to get a good harvest. Care consists in regular watering, loosening the soil. As soon as 3 leaves appear on the spinach, you can transplant. Many transplant a plant if they grow the plant at home.

Harvesting and storage

The crop can be harvested when 8 leaves appear, can be pulled out by the roots, or cut with a knife. Leaves can be eaten, or prepared for the winter. It is not recommended to store fresh leaves for more than a week.

Diseases and pests

The plant is eaten by aphids and snails. As far as diseases are concerned, powdery mildew and spots may appear on the greenery.To combat pests and diseases, it is not recommended to use chemicals, since the leaves are later eaten. To prevent the appearance of diseases and pests, it is necessary to follow the cultivation techniques.

Advice! To avoid root rot, gardeners often thin out the soil.

Is it possible to grow spinach on a windowsill

To grow spinach on a windowsill, you need to use boxes with fertile soil. Once the soil is ready, make small depressions, place the seeds and cover with earth. With regular watering and care, greens will delight you with their harvest.

Conclusion

Thus, if you follow all the recommendations and rules for caring for the plant, you can get a healthy and rich harvest.

Watch the video! How to sow spinach correctly Timing of sowing spinach

Gardeners love spinach, all varieties of which are suitable for salads, soups and side dishes. The species diversity of the culture allows you to choose the optimal one in terms of ripening, planting conditions and taste indicators. The leafy vegetable does not have a pronounced taste and keeping quality, but according to nutritionists, it is useful for weight loss and healthy eating.

Varietal specificity of culture

It takes a long day, more than 13 hours, for spinach to grow. A cold-resistant, unpretentious plant with fast ripening juices has the following properties:

• dioeciousness - forms male and female seedlings. They are recognized by their yield and the presence of leaves, expressed in female plants;
• moisture-loving - in dry arid conditions, only shoots with peduncles are formed;
• beautiful leaves - rounded, slightly notched with a pinnate dissection, painted in a dark green color;
• tall - the stem reaches a height of 60 cm.

An early maturing culture, resistant to frost, needs fertile moist soils.

Agrotechnical features

You can grow a leafy vegetable in the country, at a temperature from + 4 to +15 degrees. When working with an agricultural crop, it is worth considering its varietal aspects:

• exactingness to the presence of moisture in soils - with dry soil, shooting occurs;
• the need for pre-sowing preparation - the seeds are soaked in water and slightly dried;
• the possibility of cultivation throughout the season - sowing is carried out 15-20 days after harvest;
• increased growth intensity after the introduction of organic matter, superphosphate and ammonium nitrate;
• the possibility of continuous and sequential disembarkation.
• intolerance to thickening - seedlings are thinned out after the formation of two leaves.

To ensure the freshness of the crop, regular sowing is allowed, and harvesting is carried out when 7 developed leaves are formed on the outlet. The plant is affected by downy mildew with improper care and choosing a place for planting. Sheets can be stored for up to 7 days in a cool place and freeze well.

Beneficial features

In terms of its ability to cleanse the stomach and stimulate the activity of the pancreas, there is no better spinach plant. The beneficial properties of the vegetable are explained by the content of vitamins E, B, P and K, oleic, oxalic and linolenic acids, iodine, copper and calcium. Culture is in demand among summer residents, because it:

• strengthens the activity of the central and autonomic nervous system;
• prevents children's rickets;
• recommended for anemia;
• normalizes the processes of the digestive tract.

Spinach is the basis of a healthy and vegetarian diet. The product is used in dried, fresh and canned form for preparing salads, first and second courses. People suffering from liver and kidney diseases should refrain from salad vegetables.

Varietal variety

When growing spinach, use seeds soaked in water for 48 hours. Before starting sowing, it is worth choosing the right material. The complexity of the choice lies in the varietal diversity of the crop, common in all Russian regions.The presented sample will help gardeners find a species that matches their taste wishes and requirements for the timing of harvesting.

Characteristics of early maturing varieties

The grains ripen in 30-40 days after being placed in open ground. The greens are cut before shooting, with 5 to 8 leaves and after the end of the flowering cycle. The plant can be mown, but only 2-3 weeks after sowing.
The line of early maturing varieties is represented by the following crops:

• Godry. A spinach variety with a growing season of 30-32 days. The first crop is harvested 2-3 weeks after germination. The plant is planted in March or November in open areas - it is resistant to a drop in temperature in a temperate zone.
• Gigantic. From the moment of sowing the material to the formation of seedlings, it takes about 25 days. The green mass is cut off after 14 days and is used for canning. It is better to plant a crop in early spring or autumn.
• Stoic. It appeared in Russian gardens only in 1995, but attracted the attention of summer residents with its versatility - the vegetable is canned and added to salads. Productivity in the middle lane reaches 2-3 kg per square meter.
• Wifrole. It quickly forms a stem and a rosette with a diameter of 30 cm. Sowing operations are performed in March - the culture normally tolerates nighttime cold snaps.
• Marquis. The short ripening period (40 days after sowing) and long-term fruiting make the vegetable a priority for cultivation in greenhouses and vegetable gardens. Oval, slightly wavy sheets are frozen, canned and boiled.

Spinach leaves contain a number of substances that are healthier for the body than celery. Varietal affiliation does not affect the benefits of the plant for the body.

Specificity of species with medium ripening periods

A mid-season crop can be grown to collect green mass 30-60 days after planting the seeds. Having planted varieties with medium ripening periods, summer residents will be able to harvest at different times. For self-cultivation, the following types are successful:

• Fatty. High-yielding spinach is undemanding to planting conditions, therefore it is suitable for all types of soil. The growing season lasts about 31 days, and the rosette diameter is 28 cm. The pleasant green shade and smoothness of the leaves justify their use as an ingredient in salads and soups.
• Mariska. Frost-resistant, unpretentious culture is not exposed to infections that affect other plants. You can collect green mass 20-31 days after germination. The foliage has a beautiful green color, juiciness and tenderness, contains a lot of iodine.
• Matador. Leaves are formed 3 weeks after the fall or spring sowing. The frost-resistant variety does not shoot, but needs regular moistening of the root system. Culinary experts use the plant as a dry seasoning or freeze it.
• Strong guy. A medium-ripening variety that yields in 25-30 days. Resistance to frost and frost formation justifies the cultivation of the vegetable in Siberia and the Urals. The sheets are boiled, dried, frozen, consumed fresh.
• New Zealand. Tall tetragonia reaches a height of 1 m. In a thermophilic culture, demanding for light and moisture, creeping stems and spreading branches. Seedlings emerge in 2-3 weeks in fertile soils. Cutting of thick, fleshy leaves of a deep green shade with jagged edges is carried out after 25-35 days.
• Bloomsdelsky. The species, bred by Dutch breeders, is distinguished by the presence of a large rosette approximately 25 cm in diameter. Smooth dark green leaves with mild bubbles are very juicy.
• Indian. Perennial Basella is grown on a windowsill, but planted annually.

When choosing which mid-season varieties to plant in the country, be guided by frost resistance, moisture-loving and the use of crops.

Late ripening varieties

Late-ripening spinach grains ripen 90-100 days after being placed in open ground. Popular varieties of late cultures include:

• Victoria. The green mass is suitable for harvesting 30-35 days after placing the seedlings in the ground. The species is resistant to shooting, the appearance of powdery mildew, but picky about soil moisture and top dressing.
• Spokane. A Dutch hybrid that is harvested 60 days after sowing. The culture is suitable for fresh consumption and heat treatment (conservation).
• Korenta. A late-ripening hybrid is characterized by the presence of a large rosette and the formation of a large number of dark green leaves. The vegetable is unpretentious, resistant to adverse climatic influences. For normal crop growth, open ground and timely introduction of moisture are required. In greenhouse conditions, it practically does not germinate.
• Water. Ornamental spinach of late maturity, which is a vine with few leaves. The culture takes root near rivers, ponds, but does not grow in Russian conditions.

If you are buying spinach seedlings, pay attention to the sheets. Vegetables with sluggish, soft leaves without crunch are not suitable for planting.

What soil to plant spinach on?

The plant takes root well on fertile neutral soils enriched with organic matter, with drainage - sandy loam and loam. On poor soils, light yellow rosettes are formed with practically no leaves. Before starting planting activities, carry out the soil enrichment procedure:

• the optimum acidity for a spinach vegetable is from 6.7 to 7. You can deoxidize the earth using organic additives.
• the construction of a high multi-layer bed will ensure an even distribution of nutrient fertilizers. The bottom layer should be organic based on fresh manure. On top of it, in order to reduce nitrates, sawdust is placed. Organic matter with a small amount of lime is laid on the sawdust and the sod layer is covered.
• on fertile soils, organic matter is also introduced - 3-4 buckets of humus, a little lime and ash. At the final stage, nitrophosphate is added.

Organic fertilizers must be applied on heavy soils, soils with a large amount of calcareous and carbonate elements do not contain iron, which ensures the development of the plant's root system.

Spinach sowing rules

Growing spinach leaves from seeds is a popular way to provide yourself with a healthy crop. The sowing method consists in solving several problems:

1. Soil preparation. For a garden crop, the land is prepared in the autumn - they dig up and add nutritional supplements based on potassium, phosphorus, 1/3 nitrogen, as well as compost. The plot is cultivated in the spring.
2. Seeding timing control. In order for the green mass to appear in the spring, the vegetable is planted in late August - early September. The first leaf rosette will appear before frost, then the culture will overwinter under the snow. The first stems appear 2 weeks after the thaw.
3. Seed preparation. Spinach grains do not absorb water well, so they are soaked in warm, about +25 degrees, water. The bubbling procedure is carried out to restore the original flowability of the material. Seeds that are tall within 48 are dried in the sun.
4. The choice of the method of sowing. In heavy soils, ridges are formed, on fertile soils, an ordinal scheme is used.

The grains must be deepened by 2-3 cm, observing row spacings equal to 25-30 cm.

Planting seedlings

Shoots can be planted at different times, which depend on the varietal affiliation. They work with summer species from the second decade of March to May, and winter ones are placed in the ground in August. Humus is added to the soil so that the leaves do not give bitterness. A convenient way for those who like to enjoy early greens is to sow a plant on a windowsill in March-April:

1. Containers are being prepared - boxes, cardboard, peat or plastic glasses.
2. The seeds are sown with a deepening of 1 cm, they are covered with soil from above, which is compacted.
3. Crops are covered with glass or foil and placed in a warm place. The created greenhouse effect ensures the speed of seedling formation.
4. After the first shoots appear, the greenhouse is removed, and the container is exposed on the veranda or balcony located in the south or southeast. Seedlings should be regularly moistened with a spray bottle.

Planting the material is carried out when the soil is well warmed up, observing the distance between the seedlings up to 10 cm. The beds must be insulated with agrofibre hung on arcs. Shelter will also keep the material out of the sun.
When you decide to grow a plant on a windowsill, create the most natural environment for it. Increase the humidity by spraying the foliage once a day. For best growth and to prevent dry air from entering, place the pots in planters and hang them up.

How to grow spinach in a greenhouse?

In greenhouse conditions, it is convenient to germinate the culture in a cold climatic zone. Lighting and irrigation systems in greenhouses provide the gardener with year-round access to fresh greenery. The optimal budget option for a summer cottage is a film construction, but it will not protect against night frosts. If there is space and time, you can equip polycarbonate greenhouses and cultivate spinach as follows:

1. Planting plants in the ground during daytime warming.
2. Moisten the wells abundantly with boiling water.
3. Sow seeds with a 2 cm deepening, backfilling with soil and placing agrofibre on top of the ground. The material will provide the necessary moisture and warmth. Agro-cloth is removed after the formation of shoots.
4. Plant spinach along with onions, lettuce and radishes. To extend the yield period, the seeds are placed in the ground, observing an interval of 7-10 days.

When working outdoors, you can save space by sowing spinach between radishes, dill, carrots and beans. It is possible to minimize labor costs for loosening the soil by mulching with sawdust with the addition of urea. The beds must be thinned out, and for good growth of the culture, it is watered with a solution of boric acid (10 g per 1 bucket of water).

What you need to know about caring for spinach?

The leafy vegetable has a good growth rate. During the summer season, it is sown many times, receiving a harvest in 30-40 days.

Care rules

Grooming activities are subject to the agrotechnical characteristics of the plant:

• with good cold resistance, temperature control is required. The vegetable germinates at temperatures from +3 to +15 degrees, tolerates light frosts from -8 to -10 degrees. An increase in temperature to +20 degrees leads to shooting.
• moisture-loving spinach needs daily watering. You can reduce the number of servings of water by mulching. The procedure will also prevent regular loosening of the soil. Sawdust can absorb nitrogen components from the soil, so a little urea is added.
• the plant tolerates slight shading, but the flowering time increases, and the yield decreases.
• the culture must be thinned out, removing the entrances to a distance of 10-12 cm between the bushes.

The vegetable is ready to be harvested at the rosette stage, on which 9-12 leaves have formed.

The specifics of fertilization

Experts recommend calculating the dosage of fertilizing in accordance with the fertility and type of soil:

• additives based on potassium and phosphorus are added to fertile soils in autumn;
• humus in the amount of 6-7 kg per square meter is added to the soil in the fall, during the period of digging;
• on non-chernozem soils, mineral complexes are introduced before sowing. You will need 10-13 g of potassium, 10 g of nitrogen and 5-6 g of phosphorus per square meter.

The specified amount of fertilizer should be observed so that the leaves do not accumulate nitrates.

Harvesting spinach leaves

Depending on the variety, the plant is cut at a phase of 6-8 to 9-12 leaves. The green mass is removed selectively, over 10-15 days in dry weather.Overexposed material will be rough, while material collected in hot or humid weather will dry out and wither. Fresh leaves are stored for about 7 days. You can make blanks from them - freeze, dry or preserve.
For medicinal purposes, dry leaves are used. After collection, the material is washed and hung in a darkened room. Drying is accelerated by drying the raw materials in an oven at a temperature of 40 degrees, stirring constantly. The prepared sheets are laid out in containers and removed to a dry place.

Spinach dishes: the nuances of cooking

Contradictory indications and contraindications for the use of spinach leaves are not a reason to refuse dietary meals. Compliance with the rules of preparation neutralizes harmful components and enhances the positive properties of the plant:

• compulsory processing of leaves. The material is carefully sorted out - withered, spoiled and old leaves are removed. During cooking, the first water is drained (excluding the access of nitrates to the body) - the dish is prepared in fresh water.
• reducing the amount of oxalic acid. When following a diet, it is recommended to eat raw greens - they are as nutritious and useful as possible. To reduce the acidity, the plant is sprinkled with milk. It is also added during the cooking process.
• Proper storage of spinach is a guarantee of the access of nutrients to the body. It is advisable to eat the dishes freshly prepared, after 48 hours in the refrigerator, the nutritional enzymes are neutralized. Fresh herbs should be placed in a container with water, a damp cloth. Fresh leaves are stored in the refrigerator for about 2 days.
• for freezing, the sheets are washed, placed in a container or bag, filled with water and stored in a deep access of cold air. It is worth harvesting portions - the product is not frozen again.

Eating spinach every day brings tremendous benefits to the body. Vitamin A in the composition of the product improves vision, thanks to vitamin K, bone tissue is strengthened. Vitamin E accelerates cellular regeneration, and vitamin B - muscle regeneration. Diabetics neutralize the amount of sugar due to the H vitamin.
The presented spinach varieties differ in appearance, growing season, taste and harvesting characteristics. Gardeners, focusing on the data of varietal descriptions, will select those suitable for the climatic and soil conditions on the site.