Nantes
75d to harvest
Sweet as fresh honey with a bright, carrot-top fragrance, Nantes delivers a smooth, tender bite and a pleasantly crisp snap from garden to table. This Danvers-class selection forms uniform, medium-long roots with a classic tapered silhouette—deep orange through the core—ideal for roasting to caramelized sweetness, steaming for clean, garden-fresh flavor, and grating into vibrant salads and slaws. At about 75 days, it’s a reliable cool-season favorite for growers who want dependable size and a beautifully even harvest.
Crop Dates
| Milestone | Date |
|---|---|
| Start Indoors | Direct Sow |
| Last Frost | May 19th |
| Transplant / Sow Outdoors | May 19th |
| Harvest Begins | Aug 2nd |
| Harvest Ends | Sep 21st |
Crop Details
| Trait | Value |
|---|---|
| Days to Maturity | 75 |
| Sun Requirements | Full Sun |
| Growth Habit | Taproot |
| Support Needed | None |
| Planting Depth | Normal |
| Germination Temp (°F) | 70 |
| Min Soil Temp (°F) | 40 |
| Min Night Temp (°F) | 28 |
| Harden Off (days) | Not Required |
Recommended Companions
Frequently Asked Questions
How often should I water Nantes spinach during its main growth phase (around the 3–6 weeks after germination)?
During active leaf growth, keep the top 1–2 inches of soil consistently moist but not waterlogged—typically about 1 inch of water per week, adjusted for heat and wind. Water deeply in the morning and aim for steady moisture because fluctuating dryness followed by heavy watering can stress plants and slow leaf expansion. If leaves start to look dull or wilt in mid-day, increase frequency slightly rather than giving a large soaking at longer intervals.
How do I know when to harvest Nantes spinach (Spinacia oleracea)?
Harvest when leaves are fully expanded and tender, usually about 40–60 days from sowing for baby leaves, and closer to ~75 days for larger heads/leaf clusters. Pick outer leaves first (snip at the base) when they’re about palm-sized, or harvest the whole plant if it reaches its full, vigorous rosette. Avoid waiting until the plant bolts—once flowering stems start, leaves turn tougher and more bitter.