Spinach ‘Madrid’ Baby Leaf F1
Botanical Name: Spinacia oleracea
- Premium hybrid baby-leaf spinach with outstanding dark-green colour, even on sandy soils.
- Very uniform plants with thick, slightly pointed leaves that resist splitting.
- Heavy yields with erect growth habit, maximising harvest efficiency.
- Fast-growing baby leaf variety, ready to cut in just 20–35 days.
- Performs exceptionally well in warmer months—well suited to Queensland’s climate.
- Mild, tender leaves perfect for salads, smoothies, sandwiches, and light sautés.
- Highly nutritious leafy green with vitamins A, C & K, plus iron and folate.
- High resistance: Peronospora farinosa f. sp. spinaciae (Pfs) 1–11, 15–16. Intermediate Resistance: Peronospora farinosa f. sp. spinaciae (Pfs) 12, 14 for strong downy mildew resistance.
- Ideal for continuous sowings and “cut-and-come-again” harvests throughout the season.
Plant Details
- Plant Type: Annual leafy vegetable, 20–30 cm tall (baby leaf stage)
- Days to Baby Leaf: 20–35 days (longer in cooler temps)
Flavour & Texture: Mild, sweet flavour with tender, smooth leaves
Sowing Information
- Germination: 7–10 days at 10–20 °C (germination declines in hot soils)
- Depth: 0.5–1 cm deep
- Position: Full sun to light shade (shade appreciated in warmer periods)
- Sow Where: Directly into garden beds, raised beds, or containers
- Soil Type: Fertile, well-drained soil rich in organic matter; pH 6.5–7.5
- Spacing (Baby Leaf): Sow in bands or rows 10–15 cm apart; 1–2 cm between seeds, thin to 2–3 cm if needed
Growing Tips
- Water regularly to keep soil moist, especially in warm climates, but avoid waterlogging.
- Mulch around plants to retain soil moisture and reduce heat stress.
- Sow every 2–3 weeks for a continuous supply of baby leaves through the season.
- Harvest outer leaves or shear above the crown for regrowth and multiple harvests.
- Excellent choice for QLD growers as it holds quality in warmer months better than many spinach types.
Harvest
Baby leaves in 20–35 days. Pick frequently for the best quality; larger leaves 45–60 days if allowed to mature.
When to Sow Spinach in Your Climate
| Climate Zone | Best Planting Time | Tips |
|---|---|---|
| Temperate | March–May & August–October | Avoid peak summer heat. Sow successively for continuous supply. |
| Subtropical | April–August | Best in the cooler months. Shade cloth can extend growing season. |
| Tropical | May–August | Grow during coolest months. Mulch well and water consistently. |
| Cool | September–November & February–March | Sow in spring and late summer/early autumn. Protect from frost. |
| Arid | April–September | Sow in cooler months. Mulch and water regularly for best growth. |
Click here to view our range of spinach seeds, including open pollinated and heirloom seed varieties.