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Spinach Perpetual
ashJ
Posts: 2
in Fruit & veg
I thought Spinach Perpetual will continue growing for about 3 yrs or more. Recently I sow the seeds in autumn and although I get a good crop in spring/summer, by middle of summer the plant is going to seed. Has any one also seen that happen. Can I do anything to prevent that? Thanks.
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you're right, it's not that perpetual... It's also called beet leaf, a type of chard without the big ribs. It's not difficult to have it year round though with 2 sowings. Late summer/ autumn like you've done and spring, ready to take over when the other ones bolt. Cut down the flower spikes as soon as they appear and it will send up more leaves but it's sign the end is near...
I'm pretty sure i read/watched something about a tree spinach... Could that be the perennial form?
Thanks Julie for the advice and info. I grow the seeds supplied by Thompson & Morgan variety called Perpetual. They say on the packet it should be ok for two seasons but I sowed them last autumn and they are already gone to seed. I know about 20yrs ago I used to grow them regularly and they used to last upto 3yrs.
I know everybody talks about climate change but could it be that causing the plants to bolt more readily? (coffee table magazine science here ?) I've only been in the uk for 10years. I'm from the south of france and nobody grows spinach but perpetual spinach, which we call "blettes". It actually took me a while to work out what it was called in English as it's got so many names here! I wouldn't be without it though...even here in Essex, spinach bolts like crazy!
hi all
perpetual spinach is a great plant to grow which i do and get around 10/12 moths froma plant.
i find if spinach is not planted in semi shade it does bolt so i have found a good spot at the allotment where it grows well
photograph shows both perpetual and bloomsbury spinach
happy gardening
Hi all
just an update on the produce growing and it's doing very well
perpetual spinach is great and it's actually and come plant when looked after lasts for a long time so plant up and enjoy the return as it is high
happy gardening as always
Hi all
just an update on my perpetual spinach which is still growing strong
My advice is keep cutting and it will keep giving you a return, also semi shade is also good so they don't bolt
happy gardening