Red Cardinal

Family: Amaranthaceae Leafy Green

Tender, fast-growing leaves of Red Cardinal unfurl in a vivid, wine-red to crimson-green tapestry—lush and velvety to the touch, with a pleasantly mild spinach flavor that stays sweet even as the plants mature.

The foliage forms an upright, leafy canopy with crisp, succulent texture and an attractive red stem and midrib that make every harvest look garden-fresh and richly colored. Ideal for Asian-style stir-fries, quick sautéing, and fresh tossing into salads, Red Cardinal brings color-forward greens to your table in just about 40 days.

Light: Part SunMaturity: 40 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	May 28th
Harvest Ends	Oct 16th

Crop Details

Trait	Value
Days to Maturity	40
Sun Requirements	Part Sun
Growth Habit	Rosette
Support Needed	None
Planting Depth	Normal
Germination Temp (°F)	70
Min Soil Temp (°F)	40
Min Night Temp (°F)	32
Harden Off (days)	6

Culinary Notes

Chef's Note

Red Cardinal’s mild, sweet spinach flavor and crisp-tender bite make it ideal for fast wok work—you can color the pan without the leaves turning to dull mush. The wine-red stems and midribs stay visually loud even after a brief wilt, so it plays great in both bright salads and glossy, high-heat sauces.

Best Uses

quick-heat stir-fries where the leaves stay green and snappy
hot sauté with a glossy finish (short cook, high heat)
tossed raw or just-wilted into salads for color and chew

Flavor Profile

mild spinach sweetness crisp-tender succulence velvety leaf texture

Kitchen Pairings

ginger sesame oil soy sauce lemon crisp bacon

Frequently Asked Questions

What pest or disease problem commonly affects Spinacia oleracea (red Cardinal spinach), and how do I control it?

Watch for downy mildew and leaf spot, especially when leaves stay wet from evening watering or humid weather. Remove badly spotted leaves and improve airflow by thinning to good spacing; water at the soil line so foliage dries quickly. If conditions stay favorable for disease, use a labeled fungicide that’s appropriate for leafy greens and follow label timing closely to avoid harvest delays.

How often should I water Spinacia oleracea during the main growing phase, and what soil moisture level should I maintain?

During active leaf growth (after seedlings establish, roughly weeks 2–5), keep the soil consistently moist but not soggy—aim for evenly damp soil 1–2 inches down. Water about 1–2 times per week depending on heat and container vs. in-ground, increasing frequency when the top inch dries out. Avoid letting the soil swing between dry and wet because spinach can become tough and more prone to stress.

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

Harvest about 40 days from sowing, starting when leaves are large enough to pick—typically when outer leaves are 4–6 inches long. Pick in the morning for best texture, and use the “cut-and-come-again” method by snipping outer leaves while leaving the crown intact for continued leaf production. If you see flower stalks forming or leaves taste bitter, harvest immediately and expect the plant to slow as it bolts.