The natural growth
The herbaceous plant grows annually and in the first stage of its vegetation period forms basal leaves in rosettes. As a long-day plant, Spinacia oleracea needs a minimum day length of twelve hours to begin developing inflorescences. The flowering period extends from June to September and is accompanied by weak rosette formation.
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Stress factors are unfavorable
When the spinach blooms prematurely, gardeners talk about shooting or shooting. This phenomenon is an adaptation to unfavorable conditions. Stress leads to a sudden spurt of growth as the plants adjust to the nearing of their end. They try to preserve the species within a short period of time and produce flowers and seeds. Cut off the flower stems as soon as they come up. With a little luck, new spinach leaves will form.
Here's what you should prevent:
- direct action of cold frosts on young plants
- Desiccation of the soil during the growth phase
- too much heat and sunlight
Create optimal conditions
Vegetable spinach loves a constantly moist surface that has humic properties. The vegetables do not feel comfortable in an acidic environment. The leafy vegetables grow best when the starting conditions are cool and not frosty. No-till is done between March and May so you avoid the summer heat. Subsequent sowing is possible again in autumn. Spinach feels good in a partially shaded location.
Proper care
After you have improved the garden bed with compost before cultivation, no further fertilization is necessary. Garden spinach is one of the weak eaters. A strong supply of nitrogen ensures that the leaves grow strong and cabbage-like. Evenly high irrigation is more important, as the crop depends on constantly moist soil. A layer of mulch prevents the soil from losing too much water during dry periods. By regularly loosening the soil, weeds have no chance and you improve ventilation.
harvest
Usually spinach is six to eight weeks after sowing Ripe for harvest, whereby you can cut off the young leaves in stages. As a result, the vegetables grow steadily. The older the leafy vegetables get, the tart and tough they taste. The last harvest date has come when inflorescences show up.
From this point on, the plant increasingly stores nitrate, oxalic acid and bitter substances in the foliage, making it inedible. Cut the spinach leaves just above the surface of the soil. The root remains rot and supply the soil with nutrients.
Tips
So-called root spinach grows more compact and is cut off just below the root attachment. This increases its shelf life to up to two weeks. This harvesting method works better in sandy soils.
