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Seeds Amaranthaceae

Organic seeds

Tourne-sol

Spinach 'Valse d'hiver' organic

Name: Spinach 'Valse d'hiver' organic
Brand: Tourne-sol
SKU: CH404-a
Price: 4.49 CAD
Availability: OutOfStock

Spinacia oleracea

Spinach ‘Valse d’hiver’ is an organic, open-pollinated variety that helps gardeners plan a crop suited to Canadian conditions. Its profile works well in vegetable gardens, raised beds, and edible landscapes. The sowing, growth, and care information on this page makes it easier to choose a location and monitor the plants throughout the season. This population developed from nine spinaches selected after overwintering brings diversity, tender leaves, and cold tolerance to fall sowings. The packet contains 300 seeds for observing different plants within the selected spinach population. For best results, choose a suitable location and keep moisture steady while the plants become established.

Sold as 300 seeds

Common nameSpinach ‘Valse d’hiver’

FamilyAmaranthaceae

GenusSpinacia

Speciesoleracea

CultivarValse d’hiver

TypeSeeds

Botanical nameSpinacia oleracea

Reproducible seedsYes

Spinach 'Valse d'hiver' organic (Spinacia oleracea) is a population of different green spinaches selected for winter hardiness. Ferme Tourne-Sol developed it by overwintering nine varieties outdoors, then allowing the surviving plants to flower and cross in spring. Each packet contains approximately 300 organic, open-pollinated seeds. This diversity creates a living crop in which leaves may show some variation while sharing good adaptation to fall sowing. The population can continue evolving when gardeners save seed from plants that perform best under their own local winter conditions. It is an unusual choice for anyone interested in both fresh leaves and participatory seed selection.

Sow in spring or fall, indoors or directly outside. The population tolerates frost and is especially suited to fall planting for overwintering. Successive sowings every one to two weeks can distribute young harvests. Keep the soil evenly moist during emergence, then pick leaves before they become oversized or plants begin producing seed stalks. The official page provides no days-to-maturity figure, so use leaf size and tenderness as harvest guides. In well-drained soil, selected plants can reveal their cold tolerance as the season progresses. Mark fall rows clearly so they remain easy to monitor after changing weather and winter cover.

Harvest outer leaves first while leaving the centre to continue growing, or cut whole plants when they reach the size preferred in your kitchen. Fresh leaves work in salads, sautés, soups, and garnishes. Health Canada recommends rinsing leafy greens under fresh, cool running water rather than soaking them in a sink, and cleaning hands, utensils, and surfaces before and after preparation. To continue selecting ‘Valse d’hiver’, allow several vigorous plants that survived the cold to flower together in spring. Collect seed only when it is fully dry, then label the envelope with the selection year and garden location. Refrigerate harvested leaves promptly and discard any that become wilted or brown.

In the garden

Exposure: Full sun to partial shade
Life cycle: Annual

Sowing guide

Sowing & germination

Sowing depth

1.3 cm (1/2 in)

Spacing / density

8 to 15 cm (3 to 6 in) after thinning

Germination temperature

7 to 21°C (45 to 70°F)

Germination time

5 to 14 days

Sowing period

Spring or fall; tolerates frost

Propagation

Seed

Growing method

To grow Spinach ‘Valse d’hiver’, direct sow during cool spring or autumn conditions; this spinach tolerates frost, and the planting is not restricted to warm frost-free weather. Keep the seedbed evenly moist without saturating it. Once seedlings emerge, abundant light helps produce compact, balanced plants. The crop prefers full sun or bright partial shade. Transplant gently when needed to protect the roots. In the garden, spacing should reflect mature size and air circulation. Water at soil level to limit splashing on the foliage. Development remains influenced by temperature and day length. Label fall rows and observe survivors in spring when participating in the ongoing selection of this population. Use cool spring or autumn conditions, keeping the seedbed evenly moist while young seedlings become established. For best results, choose a suitable location and keep moisture steady while the plants become established. This practical approach works well for both first-time gardeners and people with an established vegetable garden. Successive sowings can be considered when the growing season, available space, and crop type make them appropriate. A light mulch can help stabilize soil moisture while reducing competition from unwanted plants. Observe carefully. The listed sowing depth is 1.3 cm (1/2 in).

Soil and care

Soil & care

Care level

Easy

Watering

Water Spinach ‘Valse d’hiver’ to maintain even moisture during germination, then provide deeper soakings after establishment. The surface may dry slightly between waterings, but the root zone should not dry out completely. Morning watering at soil level reduces losses and helps keep the foliage dry. Keep the seedbed moist until emergence, then water at soil level according to rainfall and actual soil drying. Reduce watering during cool, wet weather.

Soil type

Spinach ‘Valse d’hiver’ prefers loose, fertile, well-drained soil that holds even moisture without remaining waterlogged. Mature compost improves structure and supports soil life. In containers, use a high-quality potting mix instead of dense garden soil. Fertile, loose, well-drained soil holds even moisture without leaving roots in standing water during cold periods. Use cool spring or autumn conditions, keeping the seedbed evenly moist while young seedlings become established.

Fertilization

Spinach ‘Valse d’hiver’ benefits from soil amended with mature compost before planting. A light, balanced fertilizer can be added if growth slows or the crop remains in a container for an extended season. Avoid excess nitrogen, which may favour foliage over production. Mature compost before sowing supports leafy growth; avoid excessive nitrogen applications near harvest. Assess leaf colour and growth before adding any extra balanced fertilizer.

Seasonal care

Early in the season, Spinach ‘Valse d’hiver’ benefits from stable sowing conditions and even moisture until germination. Young plants need sufficient light and protection from abrupt temperature changes. After establishment, watering can become deeper and less superficial, depending on weather and soil texture. A light mulch helps conserve moisture during warm periods. Remove competing weeds without disturbing the roots. Regular harvesting lets gardeners enjoy the preferred stage while monitoring continued production. Healthy residues can be composted at the end of the season, while plants showing unusual symptoms are removed from the garden. Mark plants that overwinter best when saving their seed and continuing local selection. For best results, choose a suitable location and keep moisture steady while the plants become established. This practical approach works well for both first-time gardeners and people with an established vegetable garden. Successive sowings can be considered when the growing season, available space, and crop type make them appropriate. A light mulch can help stabilize soil moisture while reducing competition from unwanted plants. Harvest or flowering can be monitored regularly so the variety can be enjoyed at its best stage. Results may vary with temperature, light, soil conditions, and the specific microclimate of each garden. Record survival, leaf quality, and spring regrowth before choosing plants for seed. Maintain clear labels throughout winter and seed harvest.

Container growing

Recommended pot size

5 to 15 L (1.5 to 4 gal) container with good drainage

Spinach ‘Valse d’hiver’ can be grown in a container when the soil volume matches its development and the pot has effective drainage holes. A loose, high-quality mix enriched with organic matter provides a sound base. Place the container where it receives full sun or bright partial shade, while keeping it accessible for moisture checks. Potting mix dries faster than garden soil, especially during hot or windy weather. Water thoroughly, then allow all excess water to drain. Light feeding may support continued growth if the mix becomes depleted. The mature habit guides the choice of container width and depth. A deep, well-drained container suits baby leaves; monitor moisture and winter root protection more closely. Use cool spring or autumn conditions, keeping the seedbed evenly moist while young seedlings become established. For best results, choose a suitable location and keep moisture steady while the plants become established. This practical approach works well for both first-time gardeners and people with an established vegetable garden. Successive sowings can be considered when the growing season, available space, and crop type make them appropriate. A light mulch can help stabilize soil moisture while reducing competition from unwanted plants.

Bloom and dimensions

Size, flowering & harvest

Foliage color

Green

Foliage type

Herbaceous

Growth rate

Fast

Growth habit

Herbaceous rosette

Fruiting

To produce seed, allow several winter-hardy plants to flower together in spring so the population retains its diversity. Flower stalks then gradually replace leaves intended for the kitchen. Wait until seed is fully formed and dry before harvest, then store it in an envelope labelled with the selection year and garden location. Keep the seed cool and dry. Retain several plants for diversity.

Harvest

Harvest when size, colour, and texture match the desired culinary stage

Garden associations

Companion plants & uses

Companion plants

Spinach ‘Valse d’hiver’ can be paired with plants that require comparable light, soil, and watering. Groupings are easier to maintain when each plant keeps enough space and receives sufficient light. Suggested companions are primarily planning tools; undocumented incompatibilities should not be treated as absolute rules. Pair spinach with other cool-season crops without shading it or blocking access to leaves and selected plants. Young tender leaves suit salads, while larger sound leaves can be cooked after thorough washing. For best results, choose a suitable location and keep moisture steady while the plants become established.

Garden use

Spinach ‘Valse d’hiver’ works well in vegetable gardens, raised beds, and edible landscapes. The harvest can be incorporated into meals according to the edible portion and preferred stage, while a few plants may be left to complete their full cycle. Its format also suits teaching gardens and collections of organic varieties. Grow this population for baby leaves, fall harvests, or a seed-selection project adapted to your garden. Keep kitchen-harvest rows separate from the labelled survivors reserved for spring flowering and propagation seed. The leaves suit salads.

Recipe idea

From garden to table

Edible parts

Leaves

For a simple salad, harvest tender young leaves, discard any yellowed or damaged ones, and rinse the rest under fresh, cool running water. Health Canada advises against soaking leafy greens in a sink because the sink can be a source of contamination. Drain thoroughly, then combine the spinach with apple wedges, toasted nuts, and a light dressing. The leaves can also be wilted briefly in a pan with a little oil and garlic. Add salt at the end for better control. Clean hands, the knife, cutting board, and work surface before and after preparation. Refrigerate unused leaves promptly and enjoy them while they remain crisp. Discard any leaf that becomes slimy, badly wilted, or brown. People who have been advised to limit high-oxalate foods should follow guidance from their healthcare professional. Wash only the amount needed immediately so the remaining harvest stores well. Serve immediately after preparation and keep leftovers refrigerated.

Frequently asked questions

How should Spinach ‘Valse d’hiver’ be sown?

Sow Spinach ‘Valse d’hiver’ in a light, moist medium at the depth shown on the packet or in the technical information on this page. Keep moisture steady until emergence without saturating the mix. Once seedlings appear, abundant light supports compact growth. Direct sow during cool spring or autumn conditions; this spinach tolerates frost, and the planting is not restricted to warm frost-free weather. After emergence, thinning keeps the best-positioned seedlings and limits competition. Sow in spring or fall, indoors or outside, then repeat every one to two weeks when desired. Use cool spring or autumn conditions, keeping the seedbed evenly moist while young seedlings become established.

What exposure is suitable for Spinach ‘Valse d’hiver’?

Spinach ‘Valse d’hiver’ prefers full sun or bright partial shade. Light quality directly affects vigour, flowering, or production. An open site generally improves air circulation and makes plants easier to monitor. In a very warm garden, light protection during the hottest hours may suit crops that tolerate partial shade, but it does not replace the species’ basic light requirements. Keep the soil loose, well drained, and evenly moist. In containers, orientation and heat reflected from nearby walls may change watering needs quickly. Choose a cool, bright location where soil stays moist without becoming waterlogged, especially during overwintering. Avoid standing water after rain.

When should Spinach ‘Valse d’hiver’ be harvested?

Harvest Spinach ‘Valse d’hiver’ at the stage recommended for the variety and the intended use. Exact timing varies with the sowing date and growing conditions. Temperature, light, watering, and fertility may speed or delay development. Visual observations remain important: size, colour, firmness, and texture provide useful indicators. Check the garden regularly to harvest at the best time while leaving younger produce to continue developing. No days-to-maturity figure is provided; harvest according to the desired leaf size and tenderness. Keep kitchen-harvest rows separate from the labelled survivors reserved for spring flowering and propagation seed. For best results, choose a suitable location and keep moisture steady while the plants become established.

Can Spinach ‘Valse d’hiver’ be grown in a container?

Spinach ‘Valse d’hiver’ can be grown in a pot when the container provides enough depth and volume for its roots. Drainage holes are essential, along with a quality mix that remains aerated after watering. Place the container where it receives full sun or bright partial shade, and keep it accessible for moisture checks because pots dry faster than garden soil. Water thoroughly and allow excess moisture to drain completely. Light feeding may be helpful over a long season. Mature size guides the choice of diameter, stability, and any support the plant may require. A drained container suits baby leaves, but roots experience greater winter temperature fluctuations there.

Are Spinach ‘Valse d’hiver’ seeds organic and open-pollinated?

Yes. Ferme Tourne-Sol presents the seeds for Spinach ‘Valse d’hiver’ as organic and open-pollinated. They can therefore be saved when the plant completes its cycle and pollination is managed to preserve the variety. Seed saving still requires attention to isolation distance, a suitable plant population, and the correct maturity stage. Some species cross readily with related varieties growing nearby. For a first attempt, label plants clearly, observe flowering, and dry harvested seed completely before storage. Let several survivors flower together in spring, then collect their dry seed to maintain the population’s diversity. A clear label lets winter survival and spring regrowth be compared with the original sowing date.