VEGETABLE Spinach ‘Winter Giant’ Seeds
Botanical Name: Spinacia oleracea
Winter Giant is a cold-hardy heirloom spinach variety, prized for its dark green, crinkled leaves that thrive in cool-season gardens. This fast-growing, nutrient-rich leafy green is ideal for planting in autumn and early spring. With a mild flavour and tender texture, it’s perfect for fresh salads, cooked dishes, and green smoothies. Winter Giant is especially suited to New Zealand’s temperate and cool climates.
Why Grow Winter Giant Spinach?
- Highly tolerant of cold—great for autumn and winter growing.
- Rich in vitamins A, C, and K for a nutritious garden green.
- Produces large, thick leaves perfect for salads, sautéing, or soups.
- Quick to harvest in just 40–50 days from sowing.
- Can be grown in containers or directly in garden beds.
Growing Instructions
- Sow directly into the garden or raise in trays and transplant.
- Choose a position in full sun or part shade with well-drained soil.
- Keep soil consistently moist, especially in dry conditions.
- Harvest outer leaves regularly to encourage continued growth.
- Mulch to retain moisture and suppress weeds during warmer spells.
Plant Details:
Plant Type: Annual leafy green.
Height: 20–30 cm when mature.
Sowing Information:
- Germination: 7 – 14 days
- Depth: Sow seeds 1 – 2 cm deep
- Position: Full sun to part shade
- Sow Where: Direct sow or transplant into beds or containers
- Soil Type: Well-drained, fertile soil with compost; pH 6.0 – 7.0
- Spacing: 20 – 30 cm between plants
When to Sow Spinach in New Zealand:
| NZ Region | Sowing Window | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| North Island – Upper (e.g. Auckland, Bay of Plenty) | March – May Late August – October |
Best grown in shoulder seasons. Provide partial shade in warmer areas. |
| North Island – Lower (e.g. Wellington, Taranaki) | March – May August – September |
Thrives in cooler temperatures. Mulch and water well in drier months. |
| South Island – Northern (e.g. Nelson, Marlborough) | February – April August – September |
Ideal for autumn crops. Protect seedlings from strong winds. |
| South Island – Central & Southern (e.g. Canterbury, Otago) | February – April September – October |
Very well suited to cool climates. Avoid planting during winter frosts. |
Growing Tips for New Zealand Gardeners:
- Use cloches or row covers in early spring to warm the soil and protect young plants.
- Successive sowings every 3 weeks will ensure a steady supply of fresh spinach.
- Harvest individual leaves for a “cut and come again” harvest or whole plants when mature.
- Bolting may occur if exposed to high temperatures—plant in cooler periods for best results.
Harvest:
Begin harvesting leaves 40–50 days from sowing. Pick outer leaves regularly, or harvest entire plants before they flower. Frequent picking encourages continued leaf production.
