Organic 'Viroflay' spinach (Spinacia oleracea) from McKenzie Seeds, a giant French spinach, tender and very nutritious
Organic 'Viroflay' spinach is a French heritage variety renowned for its exceptionally large and fleshy leaves , which can reach up to 20 cm in length , forming plants nearly 60 cm in diameter . Despite their impressive size, the leaves retain a tender texture and a mild, slightly acidic flavor , making it a spinach that is highly prized both raw and cooked.
This open-pollinated variety is renowned for its high vitamin and mineral content , making it an excellent choice for salads , smoothies , cooked dishes, and healthy preparations. Adapted to cooler climates , 'Viroflay' exhibits good heat tolerance compared to other spinach varieties and shows commendable resistance to downy mildew and bolting . It is bee-friendly and integrates easily into home vegetable gardens.
Spread/Habit: Large and vigorous rosette
Foliage height: 30 to 40 cm
Seed producer: McKenzie
Seed type: Heirloom
Physical seed type: Organic seeds
Quantity per packet: Approximately 190 to 210 seeds
Special features: Giant leaves, very nutritious, mild taste, good tolerance to bolting
Leaf color: Dark green
Texture/flavor: Tender, sweet, slightly earthy
Tolerance: Good heat tolerance for a spinach, resistant to downy mildew
Farming method
Spinach does not transplant well and should be sown directly outdoors in early spring , as soon as the soil can be worked. The ideal soil temperature for germination is between 4 and 20°C . Sow at a depth of 1.3 cm , gently press down the soil to ensure good seed-to-soil contact, then water delicately with a fine mist .
Keep the soil consistently moist , but not waterlogged, throughout germination, which usually takes 7 to 21 days . When the seedlings have developed 2 to 3 pairs of leaves , thin them out to maintain a spacing of about 25 cm between plants, allowing for good development of the larger leaves.
For a prolonged harvest, sow seeds regularly until temperatures exceed 23°C . Cultivation can resume in late summer or early autumn , when temperatures become cooler.
Harvesting and maintenance
Harvesting typically begins 40 to 48 days after sowing . The leaves can be harvested using the cut-and-regrowth method, first removing the outer leaves while leaving the heart intact to encourage continuous production. Alternatively, the entire plant can be cut , leaving approximately 2.5 cm above the crown , which often results in regrowth.
It's important to harvest before the leaves get too large , as spinach can quickly develop bitterness after maturity, especially as the days get longer. As soon as the leaves begin to bolt (go to seed), it's best to harvest immediately.
Usage ideas
'Viroflay' leaves are excellent raw in salads , lightly sautéed , added to smoothies , or briefly cooked . Avoid overcooking to preserve their sweetness; remove from the heat as soon as the leaves begin to wilt and add a squeeze of lemon juice to enhance the flavor.
McKenzie's organic 'Viroflay' spinach is a top choice for spinach lovers , combining abundant growth , excellent flavor , and high nutritional value . A robust and productive variety, ideal for bountiful and flavorful harvests throughout the cooler seasons.
