We love the reliability of this quick-from-seed-to-plate spinach. Palco is adaptable to planting in both cool and warm seasons. Versatile for harvest as young, baby greens, or allowed to attain its full size. Bolt and disease resistant plants hold well in the field without flowering or succumbing to mildew. HR: DM 1–5, 8–9, 11–12, 14.
Soil Temp for Germ 45–75°F
Seed Depth ½"
Seed Spacing 1"
Days to Emergence 6–21
Thin Plants to 3–6"
Row Spacing 12"
Fertilizer Needs Low
Minimum Germination 65%
Seeds per Gram ≈ 80
Seed Life 1 year
Spinacia oleracea The Northwest's favorable conditions for spinach production allow us to focus our selection criteria on flavor, vigor, and bolt and disease resistance. The highest-protein vegetable, leafy spinach greens boast an unmatched, synergistic complement of vitamins, minerals, flavonoids and carotenoids that when combined, protect eyesight, help prevent the buildup of cholesterol, and target cancer-causing free radicals.
Days to maturity are calculated from date of direct seeding.
Culture
• Optimum soil pH range is 6.5-7.5
• Spinach grows best during cooler weather of early spring and fall
• Soil temperature above 80°F can cause erratic germination
• Bolting is caused by rising temperatures, day length and water stress; see specific varieties for bolt resistance
• Apply 1/2 cup of TSC's Complete fertilizer per 5 row feet, and 1 inch of compost
Direct Sowing
• For baby spinach sow 20-25 seeds per foot in a 2 inch wide furrow, in rows 6 inches apart, thin to 1 inch
• Sow July—August for a fall crop
• Sow late-August for an overwintering crop
Insects & Diseases
• Common insects: Spinach leaf miners
• Insect control: Use row covers, destroy any affected leaves and keep the surrounding area weeded
• Common diseases: See chart below
• Disease prevention: Plant in fertile soil and use a 3-4 year crop rotation
Harvest & Storage
• For baby greens, harvest at 3-4 inches
• Individual leaves may be harvested anytime
• Store at 36°F and 95% relative humidity
KEY TO SPINACH DISEASE RESISTANCE AND TOLERANCE
HR indicates high resistance.
IR indicates intermediate resistance.
BM | Blue Mold
CMV | Cucumber Mosaic Virus
DM* | Downy Mildew
WR | White Rust
* Numbers indicate specific disease race.
