Spinach Seeds - Viroflay

Name: Spinach Seeds - Viroflay
Brand: Alliance of Native Seedkeepers
SKU: SP8
Price: 2.0 USD
Availability: InStock

French heirloom spinach producing huge, tender leaves with deep green color and mild flavor.

Alliance of Native Seedkeepers | SKU: SP8

Sustainability features Details

1-Year Warranty Details

Non-GMO / BE Policy Details

— seeds / pkt

Description

Viroflay Spinach is a classic French heirloom variety cherished for its robust growth and remarkable flavor. This spinach cultivar is known for its large, smooth, dark green leaves that can reach up to 10 inches in length. With a rapid growth habit, Viroflay matures in just 40-50 days, making it an excellent choice for both spring and fall harvests. Its broad leaves are tender yet resilient, providing a rich, earthy taste that enhances any salad or cooked dish.

Thriving in cool weather, Viroflay Spinach exhibits a strong resistance to bolting, allowing gardeners to enjoy a prolonged harvest period. The plant's semi-upright habit makes it easy to pick, and its high yield ensures a bountiful supply of fresh greens. As the leaves mature, they maintain their succulent texture and vibrant color, making them a versatile addition to your culinary repertoire.

Ideal for sautéing, steaming, or adding raw to salads, Viroflay Spinach brings a depth of flavor and nutrition to the table. Rich in vitamins A, C, and K, as well as iron and calcium, this spinach variety supports a healthy diet while delighting the palate. Whether you're a seasoned gardener or new to growing greens, Viroflay Spinach promises a rewarding harvest with minimal effort.

$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 — 'Viroflay' Spinach (Spinacia oleracea)Insects & MitesLeaf Miners (serpentine mines on leaves, reduced photosynthesis)Controls: Remove and destroy infested leaves promptly. Use floating row covers to prevent adult flies from laying eggs. Introduce beneficial nematodes (Steinernema feltiae) to target larvae in the soil.Aphids (distorted leaves, sticky honeydew/sooty mold)Controls: Wash off colonies with a strong water spray. Apply insecticidal soap or neem oil every 5–7 days. Encourage natural predators like lady beetles and parasitic wasps by planting companion plants such as dill and fennel.DiseasesDowny Mildew (Peronospora farinosa f. sp. spinaciae) (yellow patches, grayish mold on undersides of leaves)Controls: Ensure good air circulation by spacing plants properly. Water at the base to keep foliage dry. Use resistant varieties and rotate crops to prevent buildup of the pathogen in the soil.Fusarium Wilt (Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. spinaciae) (yellowing, wilting, stunted growth)Controls: Practice crop rotation with non-host plants. Use disease-free seeds and transplants. Improve soil drainage and avoid overwatering to reduce stress on plants.Physiological & Environmental IssuesBolting (premature flowering due to heat or long days)Controls: Plant early in spring or late summer for fall harvest to avoid high temperatures. Choose bolt-resistant varieties. Mulch to keep soil cool and retain moisture.Nutrient Deficiency (yellowing leaves, poor growth)Controls: Conduct a soil test to determine nutrient levels. Apply balanced fertilizers as needed, focusing on nitrogen for leafy growth. Ensure consistent watering to help nutrient uptake.Monitoring & Prevention — Quick Checklist- Regularly inspect plants for signs of pests and diseases.- Use row covers to protect young plants from insects.- Maintain proper spacing for air circulation.- Rotate crops annually to prevent disease buildup.- Apply organic mulches to conserve moisture and suppress weeds.- Encourage beneficial insects with companion planting.

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Spinach Seeds - Viroflay, a verdant jewel among leafy greens, traces its origins to the fertile soils of France, where it first unfurled its lush, broad leaves in the 19th century. Named after the town of Viroflay, near Versailles, this spinach variety is steeped in a rich history that reflects both its culinary prominence and its botanical elegance. The name \"Viroflay\" evokes images of sprawling gardens and royal kitchens, where this robust green was cherished for its tender texture and delicate flavor.For generations, Viroflay spinach has been a staple in French cuisine, celebrated for its versatility and nutritional prowess. French chefs and home cooks alike have incorporated it into a myriad of dishes—from vibrant salads and creamy soups to savory quiches and delicate soufflés. Its ability to thrive in cooler climates made it a favored crop in the autumn and spring, providing a vital source of vitamins and minerals during the leaner months. Beyond the kitchen, Viroflay spinach held a place in traditional medicine; its leaves were used in poultices to soothe skin irritations and as a tonic to invigorate the weary.Though it flourished quietly in French gardens for decades, the world began to take notice of Viroflay spinach in the mid-20th century, as health-conscious eaters and gardeners sought out its exceptional qualities. Its reputation as a \"giant spinach\" with leaves reaching up to 10 inches in length captured the attention of horticulturists and culinary enthusiasts alike. This growing interest helped propel Viroflay into the international spotlight, where it became a symbol of wholesome eating and sustainable gardening.Viroflay spinach is also a botanical marvel. Its lineage can be traced back to ancient Persia, where spinach was first cultivated over 2,000 years ago. As it traveled along trade routes to Europe, it adapted and evolved, eventually giving rise to the Viroflay variety. Its genetic heritage is a testament to the plant's resilience and adaptability, traits that have allowed it to thrive in diverse environments and continue to nourish generations.While newer spinach cultivars have emerged, offering resistance to disease and bolting, Viroflay remains a beloved classic. It is the spinach that evokes a sense of nostalgia and authenticity, a reminder of the gardens and kitchens where it first took root. Its enduring popularity is a testament to its exceptional flavor and cultural significance, ensuring that it remains a cherished part of both culinary traditions and modern agricultural practices.In its homeland and beyond, Viroflay spinach is more than just a leafy green. It is a living link to the past, a symbol of the enduring connection between people and the land. To plant Viroflay spinach today is to partake in a legacy of flavor and nourishment, honoring the gardeners and cooks who have cherished its verdant bounty for centuries.

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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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