The question of what is the best variety of spinach is subjective, as the ideal choice depends heavily on how you plan to use it, your climate, and personal taste. Instead of one single "best" option, it's more helpful to understand the characteristics of the three main types: Savoy, Semi-Savoy, and Flat-Leaf. This guide breaks down the most popular and suitable varieties for various situations.
Understanding the Three Main Types of Spinach
Savoy Spinach
Savoy varieties are known for their thick, dark green, and deeply crinkled leaves. This texture makes them ideal for cooking, as they hold up well to heat and become tender without turning mushy. However, their crinkled surface can trap dirt, so thorough washing is necessary.
- Bloomsdale Longstanding: A classic, slow-growing heirloom with rich flavor and excellent cold tolerance. It's a heavy producer, especially in the spring, and can even overwinter with protection in milder climates. Best for cooking and wilting.
- Regiment: A faster-maturing savoy hybrid that offers high yields and tender leaves, even when mature. It is a great choice for harvesting baby spinach leaves.
Semi-Savoy Spinach
This type combines the best of both worlds, with moderately crinkled leaves that are easier to clean than true savoy types. They typically have a more upright growth habit and boast excellent disease and bolt resistance, making them a favorite for home gardeners.
- Tyee: A fast-growing hybrid with dark green, thick leaves and superior bolt resistance. Its upright habit keeps leaves cleaner, making it a versatile choice for salads and cooking.
- Indian Summer: A productive, bolt-resistant hybrid suitable for spring, summer, and fall planting. It has lightly crinkled leaves, making it easier to clean than classic savoy varieties.
- Catalina: Featuring thick, spear-shaped leaves, this semi-savoy is known for being succulent and is a good cooking spinach. It has moderate bolt resistance.
Flat-Leaf Spinach
Also known as smooth-leaf spinach, this variety has smooth, spade-shaped leaves that are much easier to wash. It tends to have a milder, sweeter flavor than savoy types and is often used for packaged baby spinach and processed foods.
- Space: A popular hybrid known for its fast growth and excellent bolt resistance, making it suitable for later spring and summer planting. It has a thick leaf that handles bruising well, good for both baby leaves and mature plants.
- Red Kitten: A unique, fast-maturing variety with red veins and stems. It is excellent for adding color to salads and matures in as little as 28 days.
- Crocodile: A good slow-growing variety for warmer periods, offering compact plants for limited space. It has good color and an upright growth habit.
Special Considerations for Heat and Climate
For gardeners in warmer climates or those seeking a longer harvest season, traditional spinach often bolts (goes to seed) quickly when temperatures rise. In these cases, it's best to consider alternative leafy greens that are botanically different but are excellent substitutes.
- New Zealand Spinach (Tetragonia tetragonioides): A heat-tolerant, succulent-leaved plant that thrives in warm weather. It grows in a spreading habit and provides a continuous harvest throughout the summer.
- Malabar Spinach (Basella alba): A tropical vining spinach that requires warm temperatures and a trellis to climb. It has glossy, thick leaves and is an excellent summer green.
Comparison of Popular Spinach Varieties
| Feature | Savoy (Bloomsdale) | Semi-Savoy (Tyee) | Flat-Leaf (Space) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Leaf Type | Deeply crinkled | Moderately crinkled | Smooth and flat |
| Flavor Profile | Earthy, rich | Balanced, classic | Mild, sweet |
| Best for... | Cooking, wilting, freezing | Salads, cooking, versatile | Salads, fresh use, processing |
| Cleaning Difficulty | Difficult (traps grit) | Easier (upright habit) | Easiest (smooth leaves) |
| Bolt Resistance | Moderate (some varieties are slower) | High | High |
| Climate Suitability | Cold hardy (often overwinters) | Versatile, good all-rounder | Tolerates some warmth, good bolt resistance |
| Growth Habit | Low-growing rosette | Upright | Upright |
How to Grow the Best Spinach for Your Needs
Regardless of your chosen variety, proper growing techniques are essential for a successful harvest.
- Timing: Spinach is a cool-season crop. Sow seeds in early spring (4-6 weeks before the last frost) and again in late summer/early fall for a second harvest.
- Soil Preparation: Spinach prefers well-drained, fertile soil rich in organic matter. Work in compost before planting.
- Sowing: Plant seeds about ½ inch deep. Space rows 20-30 cm apart. For spring and fall crops, cover with fleece to protect from temperature fluctuations.
- Watering: Keep the soil consistently moist. Inconsistent watering or dry soil can cause premature bolting.
- Harvesting: Harvest baby leaves as needed by picking the outer leaves. For mature plants, you can harvest individual leaves or cut the entire plant at the soil line for a cleaner harvest.
For more detailed cultivation tips on growing a wide range of vegetables, you can explore resources like the Royal Horticultural Society. The key is to match the spinach variety to its intended use and your local conditions.
Conclusion
While the search for the single best variety of spinach may not yield a single answer, selecting the right one for your purpose and environment guarantees a rewarding harvest. For a classic, rich flavor and excellent cooking results, Bloomsdale Longstanding is a superb choice. If you prefer versatile, easy-to-clean greens with high disease resistance, a semi-savoy like Tyee is hard to beat. And for fresh salads and milder flavor, the fast-growing, smooth-leaved Space variety is a favorite. By considering your culinary goals and local climate, you can easily choose the perfect spinach variety and enjoy the delicious rewards of a successful crop.
