Olympia

Family: Amaranthaceae Leafy Green

Tender, velvety leaves arrive with a luminous, deep forest-green sheen and a pleasantly sweet, spinach-forward flavor.

Olympia’s flat-leaf habit forms an easy-to-harvest rosette of smooth, broad blades with a supple texture that stays crisp and clean in the garden. Grow Olympia for fresh salads, quick sauté-style skillet dishes, and vibrant sauces where its gentle sweetness shines.

Light: Part SunMaturity: 45 DaysHabit: Rosette

Planting schedules and alerts are optimized for Columbus (Zone 6b).

Crop Dates

Milestone	Date
Start Indoors	Mar 28th
Last Frost	Apr 25th
Transplant / Sow Outdoors	Apr 18th
Harvest Begins	Jun 2nd
Harvest Ends	Oct 16th

Crop Details

Trait	Value
Days to Maturity	45
Sun Requirements	Part Sun
Growth Habit	Rosette
Support Needed	None
Planting Depth	Normal
Germination Temp (°F)	50
Min Soil Temp (°F)	40
Min Night Temp (°F)	32
Harden Off (days)	6

Culinary Notes

Chef's Note

Olympia’s flat, tender leaves are built for fast contact with heat or a light hand with acid—cook it just long enough to wilt and keep that supple, sweet bite. The result is luminous green, silky when blended, and clean enough to stand up to lemon and creamy dairy.

Best Uses

raw salad base where the leaves stay crisp and sweet under dressing
quick skillet sauté (short heat, minimal cooking) to preserve softness without turning flat
vibrant purée or blended sauce where it stays smooth and green

Flavor Profile

pleasantly sweet spinach-forward taste tender, velvety leaf texture clean, bright green finish

Kitchen Pairings

lemon olive oil feta parmesan ricotta eggs

Frequently Asked Questions

What pest or disease most commonly affects Spinacia oleracea, and how do I treat it?

Downy mildew can be a major problem for Spinacia oleracea, showing up as pale yellow patches on the upper leaves with gray-purple growth on the underside. Remove and discard infected leaves early, then improve airflow (thin plants if crowded) and water at the base in the morning to keep foliage dry. If it keeps spreading, use a labeled fungicide for downy mildew on edible greens and follow the label’s reapplication timing.

How often should I water Spinacia oleracea during the main growing phase?

Keep the soil consistently moist but not soggy from germination through leaf expansion; aim for even moisture to prevent bitter, stressed leaves. In typical home gardens this often means watering 1–2 times per week, but more during warm spells—check by feeling the top 1 inch of soil and water when it starts to dry there. Avoid wetting the leaves, since Spinacia oleracea tolerates moisture poorly on the foliage.

How can I tell when Olympia spinach (Spinacia oleracea) is ready to harvest?

Harvest when leaves are about 4–6 inches long, which is usually around 40–45 days after sowing for Spinacia oleracea. Pick outer leaves first to let the center keep producing, and harvest in the morning when plants are crisp. If you see rapid bolting (flower stalk formation), harvest immediately and expect a stronger, more bitter flavor.