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This guide is for home gardeners seeking a reliable and long-lasting spinach alternative, especially those with dry soil or a tendency for spinach to bolt. The Thompson & Morgan Spinach Perpetual offers a hardy, prolific harvest of tasty leaves with a significantly reduced tendency to run to seed in its first year. A potential caveat is the need for regular watering in summer to ensure continued bountiful harvests.
| Model Part Number | 23717 |
|---|---|
| Brand | Thompson & Morgan |
Spinach Perpetual, also known as Spinach Beet, is a hardy biennial that is much less prone to running to seed (bolting) in its first year compared to traditional annual spinach varieties. This allows for a much longer harvest period.
Yes, Spinach Perpetual can be grown in containers, provided the container is large enough (at least 20-30cm deep) and has adequate drainage. Ensure consistent watering.
Harvest leaves regularly as they develop. It's best to pick a few outer leaves from each plant every week or two, rather than taking all the leaves from one plant at once. This promotes continuous growth.
A biennial plant completes its life cycle in two years. In the first year, it focuses on vegetative growth (producing leaves). In the second year, it will typically flower and set seed before dying back.
While the primary harvest is the young, tender leaves, very young flower stalks can sometimes be eaten if harvested early. However, the leaves are the most palatable part of the plant.
For immediate use, store leaves in a plastic bag in the refrigerator. For longer-term storage, you can freeze blanched leaves.
Spinach Perpetual is generally undemanding. However, incorporating some well-rotted compost into the soil before sowing can improve soil structure and provide a good start. Additional feeding is usually not necessary if grown in reasonably fertile soil.
Ensure seeds are sown at the correct depth (usually 1-2 cm) in moist soil, and that the soil temperature is appropriate for germination (typically above 5°C).
While this variety is slow to bolt, stress factors like extreme heat or inconsistent watering can trigger it. Ensure consistent moisture and avoid overcrowding.
Increase watering, especially during dry periods, and ensure the plants have adequate sunlight. Regular harvesting also encourages new leaf growth.
Encourage natural predators or use organic pest control methods. Inspect plants regularly and act quickly if an infestation is spotted.
Sowing: Sow seeds directly into the garden soil outdoors. This can be done from March to April for a spring/summer harvest, or from September to October for autumn and overwintering crops.
Position: Prefers a spot with sun or semi-shade.
Soil: Tolerates most garden soils, including those that are drier.
Spacing: Thin seedlings to allow adequate space as they grow.
Watering: Water freely, especially during dry summer months, to ensure consistent growth and leaf production.
Harvesting: Harvest leaves regularly as needed. It is best to take a few leaves from several plants at a time rather than stripping one plant bare. This encourages continuous growth.
Winter Care: The plant is exceptionally hardy and will tolerate winter conditions, especially if provided with cloche protection.
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