Spinach Bloomsdale

Spinach Bloomsdale is a classic spinach variety known for its dark green, tender, savoyed leaves and excellent flavor. It is a nutritious cool-season leafy green that works well in salads, sandwiches, smoothies, soups, sautés, omelets, and cooked dishes. Bloomsdale spinach can be grown in garden beds, raised beds, containers, indoor microgreen trays, and carefully sprouted in jars.

Best Growing Conditions

• Light: Full sun to partial shade. In warmer weather, partial shade can help slow bolting.
• Soil: Fertile, well-draining soil rich in organic matter is ideal.
• Water: Keep soil evenly moist for tender leaves and steady growth.
• Temperature: Spinach is a cool-season crop and grows best in mild weather.
• Growth Habit: Compact leafy green that can be harvested as baby leaves or mature leaves.

Preparing for Growing

• Selecting a Planting Location: Choose a garden bed, raised bed, or container location with full sun in cool weather or partial shade in warmer conditions.
• Soil Preparation: Loosen the soil to a depth of 6-8 inches and remove weeds, rocks, and debris.
• Adding Organic Matter: Mix in compost or aged organic matter before planting to improve fertility and moisture retention.
• Soil Quality: Spinach grows best in fertile soil that holds moisture but drains well.
• Soil pH: A slightly acidic to neutral soil range of about 6.0-7.0 is suitable.
• Container Preparation: If growing in containers, use pots or planters with drainage holes and fill them with a quality potting mix enriched with compost.
• Season Planning: Plant in early spring and again in late summer or fall for the best leaf quality. Hot weather can cause spinach to bolt quickly.

Starting Spinach Bloomsdale from Seeds Indoors

• When to Start: Start seeds indoors about 3-4 weeks before transplanting outdoors for an early spring crop, or start in late summer for a fall crop.
• Seed Preparation: No special preparation is required. Spinach seeds can be sown dry. Use fresh seed for the best germination.
• Choosing Containers: Use seed trays, cell packs, or small pots filled with seed-starting mix.
• Sowing Indoors: Plant seeds about ½ inch deep and keep the soil evenly moist until germination.
• Light: Place seedlings under grow lights or in a bright location to prevent weak, stretched growth.
• Thinning: If multiple seedlings sprout in one cell, thin to the strongest seedling.
• Transplanting to Larger Containers: If seedlings become crowded before outdoor planting, move them gently into larger pots to support root growth.
• Hardening Off: Before transplanting outdoors, gradually expose seedlings to outdoor conditions over several days.

Direct Sowing Outdoors

• Best Method: Spinach is often easiest to grow by direct sowing outdoors because it grows quickly and prefers cool conditions.
• When to Sow: Sow spinach seeds outdoors in early spring as soon as the soil can be worked. Sow again in late summer or early fall for a fall crop.
• Planting Depth: Plant seeds about ½ inch deep.
• Seed Spacing: Sow seeds about 2 inches apart, then thin as needed.
• Final Plant Spacing: Thin plants to about 4-6 inches apart for mature leaves. Baby spinach can be grown closer together.
• Row Spacing: Space rows about 12-18 inches apart, or plant in wide rows/raised beds with even spacing.
• Succession Planting: Sow small batches every 1-2 weeks during cool weather for a longer harvest window.
• Moisture: Keep the seedbed evenly moist until seedlings emerge and continue watering consistently as plants grow.
• Heat Note: Spinach bolts quickly in hot weather. For best quality, grow it in spring, fall, or winter in mild climates.

Growing Spinach Bloomsdale in Containers or Pots

• Container Size: Use a container at least 6-8 inches deep for baby spinach or 8-10 inches deep for larger mature plants.
• Drainage: Make sure containers have drainage holes to prevent soggy soil.
• Soil: Use a loose, fertile, well-draining potting mix. Mixing in compost can help support strong leafy growth.
• Sowing: Sow seeds directly in the container about ½ inch deep.
• Spacing: Space seeds about 2 inches apart, then thin to 4-6 inches apart for larger plants.
• Watering: Container-grown spinach dries out faster than garden-grown spinach, so check soil moisture regularly.
• Feeding: Use compost-rich soil and apply a gentle balanced fertilizer if growth slows.
• Placement: Place containers in full sun during cool weather. In warmer areas, light afternoon shade helps maintain better leaf quality.

Growing Spinach Microgreens in Containers

Spinach seeds can be grown as tender microgreens, though spinach microgreens may grow more slowly and unevenly than faster crops like radish, broccoli, or mustard. Spinach microgreens have a mild green flavor and can be used in salads, sandwiches, wraps, bowls, smoothies, soups, eggs, and fresh garnishes.

• Container: Use a shallow tray or container about 1-2 inches deep with drainage holes. Place a solid tray underneath to catch excess water.
• Growing Medium: Fill the tray with seed-starting mix, coconut coir, or another clean microgreen growing medium. Moisten the medium before sowing.
• Seed Preparation: Spinach seeds may benefit from a short soak of about 4-8 hours before sowing, but soaking is optional. Drain well before planting.
• Sowing: Spread seeds evenly across the surface. Sow densely for microgreens, but avoid piling seeds on top of each other.
• Covering: Press seeds gently into the moist medium and cover with a thin layer of soil or coir. Cover the tray with another tray, lid, or breathable cover for the first few days to support germination.
• Moisture: Mist gently or bottom-water as needed. Keep the medium moist but not soggy.
• Light: Once sprouts emerge, remove the cover and place the tray under grow lights or near a bright window.
• Airflow: Good airflow helps prevent mold and keeps the crop healthy.
• Harvest Time: Spinach microgreens are usually ready in about 10-21 days, depending on temperature, light, and growing conditions.
• How to Harvest: Use clean scissors to cut the microgreens just above the growing medium when they are a few inches tall and tender.
• Best Uses: Add spinach microgreens to salads, sandwiches, wraps, bowls, smoothies, omelets, soups, and fresh garnishes.

Sprouting Spinach Seeds in Jars

Spinach seeds can be sprouted in jars, but spinach is not one of the easiest sprouting seeds. Germination can be slower and less uniform than common sprouting crops such as broccoli, radish, or mung beans. For many home growers, spinach is easier and more reliable as baby greens or microgreens. If using the jar method, start with a small amount of seed and pay close attention to cleanliness, airflow, rinsing, and complete drainage.

• Supplies Needed: Use a clean wide-mouth glass jar, a sprouting lid or cheesecloth, a rubber band or jar ring, and fresh drinkable water.
• Seed Amount: Add about 1-2 teaspoons of spinach seeds to the jar for your first batch. Do not overfill the jar.
• Initial Rinse: Rinse seeds thoroughly with cool water before soaking.
• Soaking: Soak seeds for about 6-8 hours, then drain completely.
• Draining: After soaking, place the jar upside down at an angle so excess water can drain and air can circulate.
• Rinsing Schedule: Rinse and drain 2 times per day. Make sure no standing water remains at the bottom of the jar.
• Airflow: Keep the jar in a well-ventilated area away from direct sunlight during early sprouting.
• Reducing Clumps: After each rinse, gently rotate the jar so seeds spread out and drain evenly.
• Light: Once small leaves appear, place the jar in indirect light for several hours to help the sprouts green up.
• Harvest Time: Spinach sprouts may take about 4-7 days or longer, depending on seed freshness, temperature, and growing conditions.
• Final Rinse: Rinse thoroughly before eating and drain very well.
• Storage: Store finished sprouts in a clean container in the refrigerator and use them soon for best freshness.

Important Sprout Safety Tips

• Use Suitable Seeds: Use clean, untreated seeds intended for edible sprouting or microgreen use.
• Keep Everything Clean: Wash hands, jars, lids, trays, and surfaces before handling seeds or sprouts.
• Use Clean Water: Always rinse with fresh drinkable water.
• Drain Completely: Sprouts should stay moist, not waterlogged. Standing water can increase spoilage risk.
• Watch for Problems: Do not eat sprouts that smell unpleasant or appear slimy, moldy, or discolored.
• Refrigerate Promptly: Keep harvested sprouts refrigerated in a clean container.
• Extra Safety Note: Raw sprouts can carry food safety risks. People who are pregnant, elderly, very young, or immunocompromised should be especially cautious with raw sprouts.

Transplanting Spinach Bloomsdale to the Garden

• Best Practice: Spinach can be transplanted, but direct sowing is often simpler and helps avoid root disturbance.
• Site Preparation: Prepare loose, fertile, well-draining soil with compost before transplanting.
• Timing: Transplant during cool weather in early spring or late summer/fall.
• Seedling Size: Transplant when seedlings have several true leaves and are still young and healthy.
• Spacing: Space seedlings about 4-6 inches apart for mature leaves, or closer for baby leaf harvests.
• Handling: Handle roots gently and avoid letting seedlings dry out during transplanting.
• After Transplanting: Water thoroughly and keep soil evenly moist while plants establish.
• Mulching: A light mulch can help retain moisture and keep soil temperatures cooler.

Plant Care

• Watering: Provide steady moisture throughout the growing period. Dry soil can reduce leaf quality and encourage bolting.
• Fertilizing: Spinach benefits from fertile soil. Use compost-rich soil and apply a gentle balanced fertilizer if growth slows.
• Thinning: Thin seedlings early to prevent overcrowding and improve airflow.
• Weeding: Keep the growing area weed-free because spinach grows quickly and does not compete well with weeds.
• Mulching: Light mulch helps retain moisture, reduce weeds, and keep roots cooler during warm spells.
• Pest Management: Watch for aphids, leaf miners, slugs, and caterpillars. Row cover can help protect young plants.
• Disease Prevention: Provide good spacing and airflow. Avoid overhead watering when possible to reduce fungal disease pressure.
• Heat Stress: Hot weather can cause spinach to bolt and develop bitter leaves. Use shade and consistent moisture if temperatures rise.

Harvesting Spinach Bloomsdale

• Baby Leaf Harvest: Harvest small leaves when they are tender and the desired size for salads and fresh use.
• Mature Leaf Harvest: Harvest larger leaves when they are full-sized but still tender.
• Harvest Method: Cut outer leaves first and allow the center to keep growing, or cut the whole plant about 1 inch above the soil for regrowth.
• Continuous Harvest: Harvest regularly to encourage fresh new leaves and prevent plants from becoming overmature.
• Best Time of Day: Harvest in the morning when leaves are crisp and hydrated.
• Storage: Store harvested spinach in the refrigerator in a breathable bag or container. Use within several days for best flavor and texture.

When to Start Spinach Bloomsdale by USDA Plant Hardiness Zone

• Zones 1-3: Direct sow outdoors in spring as soon as the soil can be worked. Use succession planting during cool weather and sow again in midsummer for fall harvests.
• Zones 4-6: Sow outdoors in early spring and again in late summer for fall crops. Start indoors 3-4 weeks before transplanting if an early start is needed.
• Zones 7-8: Grow spinach in early spring and fall. Fall planting often gives excellent leaf quality.
• Zones 9-10: Spinach usually performs best as a fall, winter, or early spring crop. Avoid the hottest part of summer.
• Zone 11: Grow spinach during the coolest months of the year. Provide shade and consistent moisture if temperatures rise.

Fast Facts

• Botanical Name: Spinacia oleracea
• Common Name: Spinach
• Variety: Bloomsdale
• Plant Type: Cool-season leafy green vegetable
• Planting Depth: About ½ inch
• Seed Spacing: About 2 inches, then thin as needed
• Final Plant Spacing: 4-6 inches for mature leaves; closer for baby spinach
• Row Spacing: 12-18 inches
• Container Depth: At least 6-8 inches for regular spinach; 1-2 inches for microgreens
• Seeds per Pot: 2-3 seeds per small pot, then thin to the strongest seedlings
• Water Preferences: Evenly moist soil; avoid drought stress and waterlogging
• Sun Preferences: Full sun to partial shade
• Soil Type: Fertile, well-draining soil rich in organic matter
• Soil pH: About 6.0-7.0
• Temperature Preference: Cool to mild weather, generally around 45°F to 70°F
• Days to Germination: About 7-14 days, depending on soil temperature and seed freshness
• Days to Harvest: About 35-50 days for baby or young leaves; longer for mature leaves depending on conditions
• Microgreens Harvest: About 10-21 days
• Sprouts Harvest: About 4-7 days or longer, depending on seed freshness and conditions
• Companion Plants: Radishes, carrots, peas, strawberries, lettuce, onions, and herbs