Giant Winter

Spinach

Zone 11b Save Garden

🌱 45d to harvest Rosette

Sink your fingers into Giant Winter’s thick, savoyed leaves—crisp yet tender, with a deep, sweet-green flavor that lingers like f…

Crop Dates

Milestone	Date
Start Indoors	Direct Sow
Last Frost	Jan 1st
Transplant / Sow Outdoors	Jan 1st
Harvest Begins	Feb 15th
Harvest Ends	Dec 31st

Crop Details

Trait	Value
Days to Maturity	45
Sun Requirements	Full Shade
Growth Habit	Rosette
Support Needed	None
Planting Depth	Normal
Germination Temp (°F)	45
Min Soil Temp (°F)	40
Min Night Temp (°F)	30
Harden Off (days)	6

Recommended Companions

Naval Carrot

Carlo Carrot

Korean Radish (Mu) Radish

Carrot Delight Carrot

Nantes Half Long Carrot

Nantes Scarlet Carrot

Frequently Asked Questions

What pest or disease commonly affects Spinacia oleracea (giant winter spinach), and what should I do?

In cool weather, spinach commonly suffers from downy mildew (often showing yellow patches on top leaves with fuzzy gray growth underneath). Remove and discard infected leaves, improve airflow by thinning plants, and avoid wetting the foliage—water at the soil line in the morning. If it keeps spreading, switch to a labeled fungicide that targets downy mildew on edible greens and follow the label re-entry/harvest interval.

How often should I water giant winter spinach during its main growing phase?

Keep the top 1 inch of soil evenly moist, not soggy, especially from emergence through the 45-day growing period. Water about 1–2 times per week depending on rainfall; in full shade it may be less frequent, but only if the soil surface stays slightly damp. If leaves start to look dull or edges crisp, water sooner—dry spells can trigger early bolting in spinach.

How can I tell when Spinacia oleracea is ready to harvest?

Harvest when plants are roughly 6–10 inches tall (about 40–45 days from sowing) and leaves are thick enough to handle without tearing. Pick outer leaves first for continued growth, or harvest the whole head/rosette when most leaves reach usable size. For best flavor in winter shade, harvest during cool mornings and avoid waiting until leaves become very small or the center starts to stretch (a sign of bolting).

Sink your fingers into Giant Winter’s thick, savoyed leaves—crisp yet tender, with a deep, sweet-green flavor that lingers like fresh garden air. At maturity, the rosette forms a broad, cushiony mass of heavily blistered texture, ideal for hearty, cold-season harvests and bold, leafy dishes. Grow it for reliable winter performance and a luxuriant, velvety look that turns everyday greens into a standout centerpiece.

Sowing Tips

Transplant Conditions

Wait until soil reaches 40°F and nights stay above 30°F before moving outdoors. Harden off for 6 days first.

Expert Note

For best leaf size and sweetness, keep plants cool and avoid heat stress—mulch lightly and water consistently.