Organic Heirloom Spinach Seeds for Spring and Fall Gardens

A later than average spring provides ample opportunity to plant organic heirloom spinach seeds. Plus fall seems to be right around the corner for gardeners, so buy extra for a second crop. The luscious green leaves add nutritious flavor to salads when grown at home. Organic spinach greens provide a strong kick of folic acid, iron, antioxidants, vitamins and minerals. Planting several varieties provides baby spinach leaves as well as an abundant crop to freeze or can. Spinach seeds were carried throughout diverse regions where they have been cultivated by many cultures for hundreds of years. .

Heirloom spinach seeds are thought to have originated in the Middle East region near Persia in an area known as the Fertile Crescent. They were carried to China by traders as well into parts of Europe. Both the Italians and Chinese began growing them and incorporating the leaves into their meals. Cultivation of the Persian green in China dates to 647 A.D.

Planting Seasons for Organic Heirloom Spinach Seeds

Organic spinach seed should be planted very early in the spring according to the packet directions, and also the fall. Hot summer weather makes the plants bolt which is their reproductive cycle, this is the time to harvest spinach seeds for the coming season. All heirloom spinach does best at temperatures ranging from 65-75 degrees. Temperatures nearing 85 degrees stop germination, but they are hardy for short periods of 15-18 degrees. Fall planting for a fresh leafy crop can be started after temps fall into the 75 degree range.

Heirloom spinach seeds can be started early and include leaf varieties of smooth, semi- savoy and savoy. Types of organic heirloom spinach seeds that have been popular through the years include:

Smooth leaf spinach - Giant Nobel Spinach seed grows large green tender leaves that are ideal for most uses such as fresh salads and preservation methods including freezing and canning.

Savoy leaf spinach - Bloomsdale Long Standing Spinach Seed has been the most popular with home gardeners and is well-known and recognized. Only39 days is required to begin harvesting this variety. It is popular for gardeners who like to pick and enjoy tender baby spinach leaves early.

Semi-Savoy leaf Spinach - Merlo Nero Spinach seed grows a bountiful crop of semi-savoy leaves that can be enjoyed in most recipes that call for spinach as well as in salads.

Planting organic heirloom spinach seeds and harvesting the leaves just prior to use provides nutritious vitamins including many types of B vitamins, A, C, E and K. Copper, phosphorous and zinc are just a few important nutrients our bodies derive from spinach leaves. Antioxidants, phytochemicals, minerals and vitamins are best preserved using quick cooking methods such as steaming and microwaving. Eating organic heirloom spinach leaves fresh and raw, after rinsing them, provides the most nutrients. Commercially grown spinach may contain pesticides and herbicides that stay in the leaves and are thought to possibly prevent absorption of these nutrients. Raising plants from organic heirloom spinach seeds in home gardens will provide nutritious leafy greens.

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