Dharaseeds
Spinach Seeds - Noble Giant
Estimated delivery between February 05 and February 08.
The Noble Giant Spinach is a versatile and hearty variety known for its large, dark green leaves that are perfect for fresh salads, cooking, or freezing for later use. This spinach variety offers a high yield of tender leaves that have a mild, sweet flavor. The robust growth and cold tolerance make it an excellent choice for spring and fall planting, especially in cooler climates.
Key Benefits
- High Yield: Noble Giant spinach produces large, thick leaves, making it perfect for home gardeners looking for a generous harvest.
- Cold Tolerant: Ideal for early spring and fall planting, this variety is cold-hardy and can withstand cooler temperatures.
- Mild, Sweet Flavor: The leaves are mild and sweet, making them perfect for fresh salads, soups, or sautéing.
- Nutrient-Rich: Spinach is packed with vitamins A and C, iron, and fiber, contributing to a healthy diet.
Variety Features
- Appearance: Large, dark green, smooth, and thick leaves.
- Flavor: Mild and sweet, with a slightly earthy undertone.
- Maturity: Typically ready to harvest in 40-50 days from sowing.
- Size: Large leaves that grow up to 8 inches in length, providing a high yield.
Planting Instructions
Best Planting Season
- Spring/Fall: Noble Giant spinach is best planted in early spring or late summer for a fall harvest, as it thrives in cooler temperatures. It tolerates light frost, making it perfect for fall gardens.
Planting Details
- Sowing Depth: Plant seeds about ½ inch deep.
- Spacing: Space seeds 1–2 inches apart in rows, with rows 12–18 inches apart. Thin seedlings to allow 4–6 inches of space between each plant.
- Soil: Spinach prefers well-draining, fertile soil with a pH between 6.5 and 7.0. Incorporating compost can help improve soil fertility.
Care Instructions
Watering
- Keep the soil evenly moist throughout the growing season. Spinach needs consistent moisture to thrive but avoid waterlogging. Water the plants at the base to prevent wetting the leaves, which can lead to diseases.
Light
- Spinach prefers full sun but will tolerate partial shade, especially in warmer climates. It benefits from cooler temperatures, so a location with some afternoon shade in hot climates is ideal.
Temperature
- Noble Giant spinach grows best in cool temperatures, between 50°F and 60°F (10°C–15°C). It can tolerate light frost, making it perfect for early spring or late fall plantings.
Harvesting
When to Harvest
- Start harvesting the outer leaves of the plant when they reach 4-6 inches in length, usually around 40-50 days after planting. You can continue harvesting the leaves by picking them individually, allowing the plant to keep producing more leaves.
How to Harvest
- Use scissors or garden shears to cut the outer leaves of the plant, leaving the inner, younger leaves to continue growing. Harvesting from the outside allows the plant to keep producing new leaves.
Storage
- Short-Term: Fresh spinach should be stored in the refrigerator in a plastic bag or container. It will stay fresh for about 3-5 days.
- Long-Term: To store for longer periods, consider blanching the spinach and freezing it. Blanching helps retain the flavor and nutrients when freezing.
Culinary Uses
- Salads: Use the fresh, tender leaves in salads for a mild, slightly sweet taste.
- Cooking: Noble Giant spinach is excellent for sautéing, adding to soups, and mixing into quiches or pasta dishes.
- Smoothies: Add fresh spinach to smoothies for a boost of vitamins and minerals.
- Freezing: Freeze cooked spinach for use in soups, stews, and casseroles during the off-season.
Conclusion
Noble Giant Spinach is a fantastic variety for gardeners seeking high yields of delicious, nutrient-packed spinach. With its cold tolerance and fast-growing nature, it's perfect for early spring or fall gardens. The mild, sweet flavor makes it versatile for fresh eating or cooking, and the large leaves ensure a generous harvest. Whether you're growing for fresh meals or preserving for winter, Noble Giant spinach is an excellent addition to any vegetable garden.