Spinach Seeds (Organic) - Bloomsdale Long Standing

Bloomsdale Long Standing is a classic variety of spinach known for its high-quality, crinkled leaves and rich, deep green color. This organic variety is prized by gardeners for its robust flavor and versatility in the kitchen. It is especially popular among home gardeners for its ability to thrive in cooler temperatures, offering a bountiful harvest in both spring and fall.

Key Benefits

• Organic: Grown without synthetic pesticides or fertilizers, making it an excellent choice for those seeking organic produce.
• High Yield: Bloomsdale Long Standing spinach is known for its strong, consistent growth, providing an abundant harvest.
• Cold-Hardy: This variety is especially cold-tolerant, making it suitable for early spring or late fall planting.
• Rich in Nutrients: Packed with vitamins A, C, and K, as well as iron, calcium, and folate, Bloomsdale spinach is a highly nutritious addition to your diet.

Variety Features

• Appearance: Bloomsdale Long Standing spinach features large, dark green, crinkled leaves that are slightly thicker and more textured than other varieties.
• Flavor: Known for its rich, robust flavor, this spinach variety has a deep, earthy taste that is perfect for both raw and cooked dishes.
• Maturity: Reaches maturity in approximately 40-50 days, making it a quick-growing and reliable variety.
• Size: Plants typically grow to about 12 inches tall, with wide, heart-shaped leaves.

Planting Instructions

Best Planting Season

• Spring/Fall: Bloomsdale Long Standing spinach thrives in cool temperatures and should be planted early in the spring or later in the fall, as it is frost-tolerant.

Planting Details

• Sowing Depth: Plant seeds ½ inch deep.
• Spacing: Space seeds 1 inch apart in rows, with 12-18 inches between rows. Thin seedlings to about 6 inches apart when they are large enough to handle.
• Soil: Prefers rich, well-drained soil with a slightly acidic to neutral pH (6.0 to 7.0). Enrich the soil with compost to promote healthy growth.

Care Instructions

Watering

• Keep the soil consistently moist but not soggy. Spinach needs regular watering, particularly during dry spells, to maintain its tender texture and prevent bolting.

Light

• Bloomsdale Long Standing spinach grows best in full sun, but it can tolerate partial shade, especially during the hotter months. In warmer climates, some afternoon shade will help the plants thrive and prevent premature bolting.

Temperature

• Bloomsdale Long Standing is a cool-season spinach variety, thriving in temperatures between 50°F and 65°F (10°C-18°C). It can tolerate light frosts, making it ideal for early spring or late fall planting.

Harvesting

When to Harvest

• Start harvesting Bloomsdale Long Standing spinach when the leaves are large enough to eat, usually around 40-50 days after sowing. You can harvest the outer leaves first to allow the inner leaves to continue growing.

How to Harvest

• Harvest spinach by cutting the outer leaves with garden scissors or shears, leaving the central growing point intact to encourage new growth. For continuous harvest, pick leaves regularly.

Storage

• Short-Term: Store fresh spinach in a perforated plastic bag in the refrigerator. Use within 5-7 days for the best quality.
• Long-Term: Spinach can be blanched and frozen for long-term storage. Blanching helps preserve its texture, flavor, and nutrients.

Culinary Uses

• Salads: Bloomsdale Long Standing spinach is perfect for fresh salads, providing a rich, flavorful base for a variety of toppings.
• Soups and Stews: Add fresh spinach leaves to soups and stews for a nutrient-packed boost.
• Sauteed or Stir-Fried: Saute or stir-fry spinach with garlic and olive oil for a simple, delicious side dish.
• Smoothies: Blend fresh spinach leaves into smoothies for an extra shot of vitamins and minerals.
• Pies and Quiches: Use in savory pies, quiches, and omelets to add a delicious green element to your dishes.

Conclusion

Bloomsdale Long Standing Spinach is a cold-hardy, organic spinach variety that offers rich, crinkled leaves with a robust flavor. Its fast-growing nature, combined with its resistance to bolting in cool weather, makes it a fantastic choice for both spring and fall gardens. Whether you enjoy it raw in salads, cooked in savory dishes, or blended into smoothies, this spinach variety is a versatile, healthy, and reliable addition to your garden.