Kitchen Garden Forum

I only just got last year's (perpetual) spinach out, yet the new plants I've planted out are bolting already - any offers as to why? not enough shade is the only obvious difference I can think of.........

If it was "last year's" it is going to seed for no other reason than that it is in its second year. Members of the beet family are biennials and will go to seed the spring/early summer of the year after the one they were sown.

Dear MKPoshfan, since it is this plants that are bolting, i feel they must have got a touch stressed, maybe they have dried out with the recent winds we have been experiencing.

They may have got a bit root bound, or they perhaps ran a bit short of water sometimes while in their containers. Some varieties, though, are very eager to run to seed. I find Ruby Chard (which is a perpetual spinach in disguise) is particularly prone to bolt.

You could always direct sow a few more now, to replace those running to seed. The seed will germinate very quickly at this time of the year and they will quickly catch up with those raised earlier. Besides, some spinach will be better than no spinach.

Alan, you've misunderstood me - what I meant was, I've only just pulled out last year's (perpetual) spinach and planted out the seedlings I sowed this year - which are (?true) spinach rather than leaf beet or whatever you want to call it.......

Old Herbaceous, thanks - that might well be the answer.....oh well

Dear MKP,
True spinach ALWAYS bolts for me, regardless of whether it is hot, cold, damp, dry. I give up. Both my neighboring plot holders each have a beautiful lush row. Grrr!

MKPoshfan wrote:Alan, you've misunderstood me - what I meant was, I've only just pulled out last year's (perpetual) spinach and planted out the seedlings I sowed this year - which are (?true) spinach rather than leaf beet or whatever you want to call it.......

Sorry - I did indeed As retropants says true spinach is very prone to bolting - a bit too hot, a bit too dry. Though it does sound early for it to do it yet.

I think the answer with Spinach is to sow little but very frequently and pick when about 5 to 6 weeks old.
This morning I am about to sow some Suttons Tetona F1 'Speedy Seeds'
These are quality tested seeds with a very high rate of germination according to the blurb so will keep you informed as to how they go.
JB.

well perpetual or true spinach is largely academic for the next 2/3 weeks.......I've done one of my usual totally stupid tricks and broken my toe by getting it caught in the lane dividing cord at the swimming pool of all things........

Dear MKPoshfan, sorry to hear about your toe, and to make it worse, one never seems to get a lot of sympathy for such an injury.

Well, sympathies from me

Not the time to be playing, one little piggy went to market, one little..........

thanks for the 'support' (groan)

Sounds like a case of "Divided we fall."




I'll get me coat.