Giant Winter
45d to harvest
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.
Crop Dates
| Milestone | Date |
|---|---|
| Start Indoors | Direct Sow |
| Last Frost | May 25th |
| Transplant / Sow Outdoors | May 25th |
| Harvest Begins | Jul 9th |
| Harvest Ends | Aug 29th |
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
Frequently Asked Questions
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).