Spinach

• Bloomsdale Spinach (Spinacia oleracea 'Bloomsdale')

Sun Requirements: Full Sun to Partial Shade

Water Requirements: Moderate

Height: 6-12 inches

Description: Bloomsdale Spinach is a heirloom variety prized for its crinkled, dark green leaves that are rich in flavor and nutrients. It is exceptionally cold-hardy, making it a great choice for early spring and late fall planting. Bloomsdale provides excellent yields and is ideal for both fresh eating and cooking.

Planting Tips:

• Plant in fertile, well-drained soil.
• Space plants about 6 inches apart.
• Keep soil consistently moist.
• Harvest whole plants or individual outer leaves as needed.

Ideal Season for Planting in Texas: Early Spring or Fall

Nativity to Texas: No

• Perpetual Spinach (Beta vulgaris subsp. vulgaris)

Sun Requirements: Full Sun to Partial Shade

Water Requirements: Moderate

Height: 10-14 inches

Description: Perpetual Spinach, which is technically a chard, offers spinach-like leaves with a mild, sweet flavor. It is incredibly productive and can be harvested repeatedly throughout the season. This variety is easy to grow and perfect for continuous cropping, providing fresh greens over an extended period.

Planting Tips:

• Plant in fertile, well-drained soil.
• Space plants about 6-10 inches apart.
• Water regularly to maintain soil moisture.
• Harvest leaves by cutting them at the base to encourage new growth.

Ideal Season for Planting in Texas: Early Spring or Fall

Nativity to Texas: No

• Space Spinach (Spinacia oleracea 'Space')

Sun Requirements: Full Sun to Partial Shade

Water Requirements: Moderate

Height: 6-12 inches

Description: Space Spinach is a fast-growing variety that is known for its smooth, dark green leaves and resistance to bolting. This variety matures quickly and provides a continual harvest of tender leaves that are excellent for salads and cooked dishes. It's ideal for gardeners looking for a reliable and productive spinach variety.

Planting Tips:

• Plant in well-drained, fertile soil.
• Space plants about 4-6 inches apart.
• Water regularly to maintain even soil moisture.
• Harvest leaves from the outside to encourage continued growth.

Ideal Season for Planting in Texas: Early Spring or Fall

Nativity to Texas: No

• Malabar Spinach (Basella alba)

Sun Requirements: Full Sun to Partial Shade

Water Requirements: Moderate to High

Height: Vining up to 10-15 feet with support

Harvest Time: 55-70 days

Description:
Malabar Spinach is a heat-loving vining green perfect for Texas summers when traditional spinach struggles. Its glossy, thick leaves have a mild, slightly peppery flavor and are excellent in salads, stir-fries, and soups. In addition to being edible, its deep red stems and occasional pink flowers add ornamental beauty to the garden.

Planting Tips:

• Provide a trellis or support for vertical growth.

• Harvest young leaves regularly to encourage new growth.

• Prefers rich, moist soil but tolerates heat and humidity well.

• Can be grown as a perennial in frost-free areas or an annual elsewhere.

Ideal Season for Planting in Texas: Late Spring to Summer

Nativity to Texas: No