Spinach Seeds - Matador - Viking

Name: Spinach Seeds - Matador - Viking
Brand: Alliance of Native Seedkeepers
SKU: SP7
Price: 2.0 USD
Availability: InStock

Fast-growing European spinach with smooth, dark leaves and excellent cold tolerance.

Alliance of Native Seedkeepers | SKU: SP7

Sustainability features Details

1-Year Warranty Details

Non-GMO / BE Policy Details

— seeds / pkt

Description

Spinach Seeds - Matador - Viking offers a robust and versatile option for your vegetable garden. Known for its vigorous growth and resilience, this spinach cultivar thrives in both cool and warm climates, making it an excellent choice for extended harvesting seasons. The plants reach a height of approximately 10 inches, producing broad, dark green leaves that are tender and flavorful. With a typical maturity period of 40 to 50 days, you can enjoy fresh spinach within weeks of planting.

The Matador - Viking spinach is prized for its exceptional taste and texture. Its thick, slightly crinkled leaves are ideal for a variety of culinary applications, from fresh salads to hearty soups and sautés. The flavor is rich and earthy, with a hint of sweetness that enhances any dish. This cultivar's high yield ensures a bountiful harvest, providing plenty of leaves for both immediate use and preservation.

In addition to its culinary benefits, Matador - Viking spinach is easy to grow and maintain. It requires minimal care once established, withstanding moderate frost and resisting common pests and diseases. This makes it an excellent choice for both novice and experienced gardeners looking to cultivate a reliable and productive spinach crop. Whether you're growing for personal use or market, these seeds promise a rewarding gardening experience.

$2⁰⁰ USD

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Minimum Seed Count

250

Life Cycle

Annual

Scientific Name

Spinacia oleracea

Maturity

40-49 Days (from transplant)

Grow Location

In-ground bed, Raised bed, Greenhouse, High Tunnel, Containers, Community garden, Hydroponic, Indoor growing, Vertical

Non-GMO Safe Seed Pledge

Common Pests & Problems — 'Matador - Viking' Spinach (Spinacia oleracea)Insects & MitesAphids (leaf curling, sticky honeydew/sooty mold)Controls: Spray colonies with a strong jet of water; apply insecticidal soap or neem oil every 5–7 days. Disrupt ant trails as they tend to aphids. Encourage beneficial insects by planting nectar-rich flowers like alyssum, dill, and yarrow nearby.Leafminers (serpentine mines on leaves)Controls: Remove and destroy infested leaves promptly. Use floating row covers to prevent adult flies from laying eggs. Introduce beneficial nematodes or parasitic wasps (Diglyphus isaea) to control larvae.DiseasesDowny Mildew (Peronospora farinosa f. sp. spinaciae)Symptoms: Yellowing and wilting of leaves, with greyish mold on the undersides.Controls: Ensure good air circulation by spacing plants properly. Water early in the day to allow foliage to dry. Use resistant varieties and rotate crops to prevent buildup of spores in the soil.Fusarium Wilt (Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. spinaciae)Symptoms: Yellowing and wilting of lower leaves, stunted growth.Controls: Practice crop rotation and avoid planting spinach in the same spot for consecutive years. Ensure soil is well-drained and amend with organic matter to improve soil health.Physiological & Environmental IssuesBolting (premature flowering)Causes: High temperatures and long daylight hours.Prevention: Plant in early spring or late summer to avoid heat. Choose bolt-resistant varieties and provide consistent moisture to reduce stress.Nitrogen Deficiency (yellowing of older leaves)Symptoms: Older leaves turn yellow while new growth remains green.Controls: Apply a balanced fertilizer or side-dress with compost to provide adequate nutrients. Test soil regularly to maintain optimal nutrient levels.Monitoring & Prevention — Quick Checklist- Regularly inspect plants for signs of aphids and leafminers.- Remove affected leaves to prevent disease spread.- Use row covers to protect against insect pests.- Maintain proper spacing and air circulation to reduce disease risk.- Rotate crops and amend soil to prevent nutrient deficiencies and disease buildup.- Monitor weather conditions and adjust planting times to prevent bolting.

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Spinach Seeds - Matador - Viking, a verdant tapestry of nutrition and history, trace their roots to the fertile soils of ancient Persia, where the plant was first cultivated over two millennia ago. The name \"spinach\" itself is derived from the Persian word \"aspanakh,\" reflecting its deep cultural and agricultural significance. The Matador and Viking varieties are celebrated for their robust leaves and resilience, making them a staple in gardens across the globe.For centuries, spinach has been revered not only for its culinary versatility but also for its medicinal properties. In Persia, it was considered a \"cooling\" food, believed to soothe inflammation and balance the body's humors. As it journeyed along the Silk Road, spinach found its way into the kitchens of medieval Europe, where it was dubbed the \"Spanish vegetable\" after being introduced to Spain by Arab traders. Monastic gardens cultivated it for its ability to thrive in cooler climates and its nutritional bounty, which was thought to fortify the body and spirit.The Matador and Viking varieties, with their deep green, succulent leaves, became particularly popular in the 20th century. Known for their ability to withstand both heat and frost, they are a testament to agricultural innovation and adaptation. These varieties are often featured in salads, soups, and stews, celebrated for their mild flavor and high iron content—a trait that has earned spinach the moniker \"the sailor's vegetable,\" famously associated with the cartoon character Popeye.Spinach's journey from ancient Persia to modern gardens is a story of botanical curiosity and cultural exchange. Genetic studies reveal that spinach belongs to the Amaranthaceae family, sharing lineage with beets and quinoa. This connection highlights its adaptability and nutritional richness, traits that have made it a global dietary staple.In contemporary times, Matador and Viking spinach varieties are cherished not only for their culinary applications but also for their role in sustainable agriculture. Their ability to grow in diverse climates makes them a favorite among home gardeners and commercial farmers alike, symbolizing resilience and the enduring human connection to the land.To cultivate Matador and Viking Spinach today is to engage in a narrative that spans continents and centuries, honoring the ancient farmers who first recognized its potential and the modern enthusiasts who continue to celebrate its legacy. It is a testament to the enduring appeal of a humble leaf that has nourished civilizations and inspired culinary traditions worldwide.

Shipped from U.S.A.

Our seeds are grown and sourced from the US. They're then packed and shipped from Colerain NC.

Triple tested

We regularly test the quality and germination rate of our seeds. We're so confident that our seeds are backed by a 1 year warranty!

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