When to Plant:Sow seeds directly outdoors inearly springas soon as the soil can be worked, or inlate summer/early fallfor a fall and winter harvest. Bloomsdale spinach grows best in cool weather (40°F-75°F) and germination is poor in soil temperatures above 85°F.
Location:Choose a spot with full sun during cooler months, or partial shade as the weather warms to help prevent bolting. It grows well both in the ground and in containers at least 10 inches deep.
Soil:Bloomsdale thrives in fertile, well-draining soil with a pH of 6.5–7.5, enriched with organic matter or compost.
Planting:Sow seeds about ½ inch deep.
Forbaby leaves, plant seeds densely (around 40 seeds per foot in a wide band) and do not thin.
Forfull-sized plants, space seeds 2-3 inches apart and thin seedlings to 6 inches apart once they are 1-2 inches tall.
Watering and Care:Keep the soil consistently moist, but not waterlogged, with about one inch of water per week. Mulching helps retain moisture, regulate soil temperature, and deter weeds.
Succession Planting:For a continuous supply of fresh spinach, sow seeds every 7-10 days during the cool growing seasons.
Harvesting
Harvest typically begins in40-48 daysfor mature leaves, or as early as 28-35 days for baby greens.
Cut-and-come-again:Snip the larger, outer leaves as needed, allowing the inner leaves to continue growing. Do not take more than a third of the leaves at one time.
Whole Plant:Cut the entire plant just above the soil line.
Wash the leaves carefully to remove any soil or grit. Harvest is best done before the plant sends up a flower stalk (bolts), as this can cause the leaves to become bitter.