Winter Bloomsdale

Spinach

Zone 9b Save Garden

Botanical illustration of Winter Bloomsdale

🌱 40d to harvest Rosette

Winter Bloomsdale spinach brings a velvety, savoyed leaf texture that feels almost plush to the eye—deep green and richly crinkle…

Crop Dates

Milestone	Date
Start Indoors	Direct Sow
Last Frost	Feb 9th
Transplant / Sow Outdoors	Jan 26th
Harvest Begins	Mar 7th
Harvest Ends	Dec 9th

Crop Details

Trait	Value
Days to Maturity	40
Sun Requirements	Part Sun
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

French Breakfast 3 Radish

Kettle River Giant Garlic

Frequently Asked Questions

What’s the most common disease in Spinacia oleracea (winter spinach) and how can I prevent it?

Watch for downy mildew (often seen as pale yellow patches on leaves with a gray-purple growth underneath), which is promoted by cool, wet conditions. Water at the soil level and avoid wetting the foliage, then improve airflow by spacing plants and removing badly infected leaves early. If it appears, remove affected plants and switch to a biocontrol or labeled fungicide appropriate for edible greens, following the product directions and pre-harvest interval.

How often should I water Winter Bloomsdale spinach during the main growth period?

During the ~40-day growth period, keep the top 1–2 inches of soil consistently moist but not soggy to prevent stress that can lead to bolting. In cool weather, this is typically about 1 inch of water per week total (from rainfall and irrigation), adjusted to container size and rainfall. Check soil daily during dry spells—if the surface dries out and plants look dull or slow, water immediately and deeply.

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

Harvest when leaves are tender and reach about 4–6 inches long, typically around 35–45 days after sowing. You can take outer leaves first for a longer harvest window, cutting or pinching leaves close to the base without damaging the center growth. If leaves become noticeably thicker or the plant starts sending up a flowering stalk (bolting), harvest promptly and shift to quick leaf use or re-sow for the next batch.

Winter Bloomsdale spinach brings a velvety, savoyed leaf texture that feels almost plush to the eye—deep green and richly crinkled, with a clean, sweet spinach flavor that holds its charm in cool weather. At about 40 days, plants form sturdy rosettes of tender leaves that stay flavorful without turning tough, making them a reliable winter favorite. Grow Winter Bloomsdale for fresh salads when the season is crisp, and for hearty greens in sauces and braises when you want a dependable, garden-fresh green.

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 flavor, grow Savoy spinach in cool weather and avoid heat—harvest before it starts to bolt.