Description
Oriental King F1 spinach is slightly different from the spinach commonly grown. The plant has smooth, dark green leaves with long stalks. This hybrid spinach is a fast-growing and very hardy vegetable that grows very well in mild climates. A good vegetable for home gardens.
Growing Oriental King F1 Spinach
First decide on where you want to grow your spinach crops, as some of the smaller varieties are particularly well suited to containers, for instance. Â For success in growing spinach, before sowing the seeds enrich the soil by digging in garden compost and a general fertilizer. This will both help the spinach to grow well, and also prevent the leaves from tasting bitter. There is no such thing as putting too much compost in garden soil. Mix at least 2-4 inches of compost in the row before planting. ‘The key to success begins with getting the plants off to a good start. Plant the right varieties rich in organic soil with lots of moisture.
- Grow spinach in moist but well-drained soil or compost.
- Sow seeds thinly in a shallow drill – about 1inch deep.
- If sowing more than one row then space each row about 14 inches apart.
- Cover seeds lightly with soil.
- After the seeds germinate thin them to  3-5 inches apart.
- Fertilize plants regularly with a portion of water-soluble plant food.
- Sow seeds every three to four weeks for a regular supply through the growing season.
- Keep spinach crops well watered – watering at the base of the plant.
How to care for spinach
- Protect spinach seedlings sown in the fall from the cold by covering with fleece or a cloche.
- Shade spinach crops in hot weather to stop the soil from drying out and the spinach plants from bolting. You can do this by planting them next to pole – or runner – beans which as they grow will provide shade to protect the tender spinach plants from the heat of the sun.
- Protect young spinach seedlings from slugs, snails, and birds.
- Water and fertilize Oriental king f1 spinach plants regularly, but try to avoid getting the leaves wet.
Harvesting Spinach
If you follow the advice on how to grow spinach, it should be ready to harvest between 6 to 10 weeks after sowing. If you sow successionally in spring and autumn, you can have spinach to harvest throughout the year. Keep an eye on spinach crops as the plants usually grow quicker in warmer weather. There are options for how to pick the leaves for a later harvest. You can cut individual outer leaves when the plants are 3 inches tall and allow the inner leaves to continue to grow for later harvests. Or cut the whole head when the plant is 6 inches tall and wait several weeks for regrowth and a second harvest. Baby leaves are great for use in salads, whereas mature leaves can be wilted into soups, stews and pasta. Leaves are ideally used directly after harvesting for the best flavor, and any extras can be stored in the fridge for up to 14 days.
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