Matador Spinach - 1 gram

Matador spinach (Spinacia oleracea) is a fast-growing, cold-hardy variety known for its smooth, dark green leaves and rich flavour. It has a slightly sweet, mild taste and is highly nutritious, packed with vitamins A, C, and iron. This variety is slow to bolt, making it ideal for spring and fall plantings. Matador spinach is perfect for fresh salads, cooking, or freezing and thrives in both garden beds and containers.

Choosing the Right Location:

Sunlight: Full sun to partial shade (at least 4-6 hours of sunlight).

Soil: Well-draining, fertile, loamy soil with a pH of 6.0-7.0. Enrich with compost before planting.

Planting:

Sowing Time:

Spring: 4-6 weeks before the last frost.

Autumn: Late summer to early autumn for a cool-season harvest.

Spacing: Sow seeds 1 inch deep, 5 cm apart in rows 30 cm apart.

Thinning: Once seedlings reach 5 cm tall, thin them to 12 cm apart to allow proper growth.

Watering & Care:

Watering: Keep soil evenly moist but not waterlogged. Water deeply 1-2 times per week.

Mulching: Apply mulch to retain moisture and suppress weeds.

Fertilization: Use a nitrogen-rich fertilizer or compost every few weeks to encourage leafy growth.

Harvesting:

Time to Maturity: 40-50 days.

How to Harvest: Pick outer leaves first, allowing inner leaves to continue growing. For full heads, cut the entire plant at the base.

Continuous Harvest: Regular harvesting encourages new growth.

Common Issues & Solutions:

Pests: Watch for aphids, slugs, and leaf miners. Use row covers or neem oil if needed.

Disease: Prevent downy mildew and fungal issues by ensuring good air circulation and avoiding overhead watering.

Matador spinach is an excellent choice for home gardeners looking for a productive, slow-bolting, and flavourful leafy green. With proper care, you can enjoy multiple harvests throughout the growing season!