Status:
valid
Authors:
L.
Source:
cmp
Year:
1753
Citation Micro:
Sp. Pl. : 1027 (1753)
WFO Identifier:
wfo-0000437543
Common Names
- Oleracea Spinacia
- Oleracea's Spinacia
- Spinacia Oleracea
Synonyms
- Spinacia spinosa Moench [unknown]
- Spinacia glabra Mill. [unknown]
- Spinacia inermis Moench [unknown]
- Chenopodium oleraceum (L.) E.H.L.Krause [unknown]
Description
Spinacia oleracea (also called Spinach, among many other common names) is a species of flowering plant in the Amaranthaceae family. It is an annual herb with small, white flowers and lance-shaped leaves. It is native to the Mediterranean region, where it grows in dry, sunny places.
Uses & Benefits
Spinacia oleracea is used as a vegetable in salads and as a cooked vegetable. It is also used as a medicinal plant to treat digestive problems.
Flower, Seeds and Seedlings
The flower of Spinacia oleracea is a yellow flower. The seed is small and black. The seedlings are small and green.
Cultivation and Propagation
Spinacia oleracea is a cool-season annual vegetable that is easy to grow from seed. It prefers full sun and well-drained soil with a pH between 6.0 and 6.8. Sow the seeds directly in the garden about 1/2 inch deep and thin the seedlings to 6-8 inches apart when they are 2-3 inches tall. For best results, keep the soil evenly moist and fertilize every 4-6 weeks with a balanced fertilizer. Harvest the leaves when they are young and tender, usually about 50-60 days after sowing.
Where to Find Spinacia oleracea
Spinacia oleracea is native to the Mediterranean region, including Spain, Portugal, Italy, and Greece.
Spinacia oleracea FAQ
What is the ideal temperature for Spinacia oleracea?
Spinacia oleracea prefers temperatures between 65 and 75 degrees Fahrenheit.
What kind of soil is best for Spinacia oleracea?
Spinacia oleracea prefers well-draining, sandy soil.
How much light does Spinacia oleracea need?
Spinacia oleracea prefers bright, indirect sunlight.
Species in the Spinacia genus
Species in the Amaranthaceae family
Achyranthes arborescens,
Achyranthes aspera,
Achyranthes bidentata,
Achyranthes diandra,
Achyranthes fasciculata,
Achyranthes mangarevica,
Achyranthes marchionica,
Achyranthes margaretarum,
Achyranthes mutica,
Achyranthes splendens,
Achyranthes talbotii,
Achyranthes shahii,
Achyropsis avicularis,
Achyropsis filifolia,
Achyropsis fruticulosa,
Achyropsis gracilis,
Achyropsis laniceps,
Achyropsis leptostachya,
Acroglochin obtusifolia,
Acroglochin persicarioides,
Aerva artemisioides,
Aerva caudata,
Aerva congesta,
Aerva coriacea,
Aerva edulis,
Aerva glabrata,
Aerva humbertii,
Aerva javanica,
Aerva lanata,
Aerva leucura,
Aerva madagassica,
Aerva microphylla,
Aerva monsonia,
Aerva radicans,
Aerva revoluta,
Aerva sanguinolenta,
Aerva timorensis,
Aerva triangularifolia,
Aerva villosa,
Aerva wightii,
Agathophora alopecuroides,
Agriophyllum lateriflorum,
Agriophyllum latifolium,
Agriophyllum minus,
Agriophyllum montasirii,
Agriophyllum paletzkianum,
Agriophyllum squarrosum,
Allenrolfea occidentalis,
Allenrolfea patagonica,
Allenrolfea vaginata,