Spinach Seeds - Viroflay

Viroflay Spinach is a classic, popular variety known for its large, dark green, smooth leaves and high yield. Often favored by gardeners for its resilience and consistent growth, Viroflay is a robust spinach variety that produces large, tender leaves perfect for both fresh and cooked dishes. It’s particularly well-suited for cool-season growing and can be harvested over an extended period.

Key Benefits

• High Yield: Viroflay spinach produces a high volume of large, dark green leaves, making it an excellent choice for gardeners looking for abundance.
• Resilient: This variety is known for its cold-hardiness, making it an ideal choice for early spring and late fall gardening.
• Flavor: The leaves are mild and tender, with a slightly sweet flavor that’s ideal for fresh salads or cooked dishes.
• Nutrient-Rich: Spinach is an excellent source of vitamins A, C, and K, iron, and calcium.

Variety Features

• Appearance: Large, smooth, dark green leaves with a broad, semi-arching shape.
• Flavor: Mild and slightly sweet, with a delicate texture that is perfect for both raw and cooked applications.
• Maturity: Viroflay spinach matures in 45-50 days, allowing for an early harvest of tender leaves.
• Size: This variety produces large leaves, reaching up to 6 inches in length.

Planting Instructions

Best Planting Season

• Spring/Fall: Viroflay spinach thrives in cool temperatures and is best planted in early spring or late summer for a fall harvest. It can tolerate light frost, making it ideal for cool-season gardening.

Planting Details

• Sowing Depth: Plant seeds ½ inch deep.
• Spacing: Space the seeds about 1 inch apart in rows, with 12-18 inches between rows. Thin the seedlings to 4-6 inches apart to ensure proper growth.
• Soil: Prefers rich, well-drained soil with a pH between 6.5 and 7.0. Enrich the soil with compost or organic matter to improve fertility.

Care Instructions

Watering

• Keep the soil consistently moist, as spinach requires regular watering. However, avoid waterlogging by ensuring the soil drains well. Water deeply at the base of the plant to keep the leaves dry and reduce the risk of diseases.

Light

• Viroflay spinach prefers full sun to partial shade. In warmer climates, some afternoon shade will help prevent bolting and prolong the harvest period.

Temperature

• Grows best in cooler temperatures between 45°F and 60°F (7°C-15°C). It can tolerate light frost, making it suitable for early spring or late fall plantings.

Harvesting

When to Harvest

• Spinach leaves can be harvested in about 45-50 days after sowing. Start picking the outer leaves once the plant reaches about 4-6 inches tall, leaving the inner leaves to continue growing.

How to Harvest

• Harvest spinach by cutting the outer leaves with scissors or garden shears. Avoid removing too many leaves at once, so the plant can continue producing. For continuous harvesting, pick leaves from the outside and allow the center to grow.

Storage

• Short-Term: Store fresh spinach in the refrigerator in a perforated plastic bag for up to 5-7 days.
• Long-Term: Blanch and freeze spinach to preserve its flavor and nutrients for later use in soups, stews, and smoothies.

Culinary Uses

• Salads: Viroflay spinach is ideal for fresh salads, with its tender, mild flavor.
• Cooking: Use in stir-fries, soups, quiches, or casseroles. The mild flavor complements a variety of dishes.
• Smoothies: Add spinach to smoothies for a nutritional boost.
• Freezing: Blanch and freeze spinach for later use in cooked dishes.

Conclusion

Viroflay Spinach is a versatile, reliable variety perfect for gardeners seeking an abundant, nutrient-rich spinach harvest. With its large, tender leaves and ability to grow in cool conditions, this spinach variety is ideal for spring and fall gardening. Its mild flavor and smooth texture make it a favorite for fresh salads, soups, and cooked dishes. Whether you're enjoying it right away or preserving it for later, Viroflay spinach is a must-have for any vegetable garden.