How to Grow Bloomsdale Spinach
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Bloomsdale Spinach
Spinacia oleracea 'Bloomsdale'
vegetableBloomsdale is a classic heirloom spinach variety known for its deeply crinkled, dark green leaves with a savoyed texture. This cold-hardy cultivar was developed in the 1920s and remains popular for both spring and fall gardens due to its bolt resistance and excellent flavor. The compact growth habit makes it ideal for home gardeners and commercial production alike.
When should you plant Bloomsdale Spinach in your zone?
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Example Bloomsdale Spinach timeline · Pittsburgh, PA (Zone 6b)
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Plant Bloomsdale Spinach
Around Apr 17Near Pittsburgh's average last spring frost.
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Tend & protect
Late spring–summerWatering, feeding, and pest-watch reminders.
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Harvest Bloomsdale Spinach
Around May 27≈ 40 days after planting
Sample dates for Pittsburgh, PA. Sign up to get exact Bloomsdale Spinach dates for your own zip code.
Growing Conditions
Soil
Growing Zones
Find your zone →Thrives in zones 2-8; prefers cool-season growing in spring and fall
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Get my Bloomsdale Spinach timeline →Growth Stages
Germination
1-2 weeksSeeds sprout and first true leaves emerge from the soil.
Keep soil consistently moist at 50-70°F. Germination takes 7-14 days. Thin seedlings when first true leaves appear.
Seedling
2-3 weeksYoung plants develop 2-4 true leaves and establish a small root system.
Provide bright light. Thin to proper spacing (3 inches apart) to prevent crowding. Keep soil evenly moist.
Vegetative Growth
2-3 weeksPlants rapidly develop characteristic crinkled savoyed foliage with deep green color.
Apply balanced fertilizer or side-dress with compost. Maintain cool temperatures (55-70°F). Monitor for pests like aphids and leaf miners.
Leaf Expansion
1-2 weeksLeaves reach full size and thickness with mature texture. Plant becomes fuller and bushier.
Begin light harvesting of outer leaves if desired. Keep soil moist. Watch for bolting if temperatures exceed 75°F.
Harvest Ready
Variable, typically 1-4 weeksPlant has abundant mature leaves ready for full harvest or continued selective picking.
Harvest before bolting. Cooler weather extends harvest window. In spring, monitor closely for heat-induced bolting.
Companion Planting
Plan your garden →Plant with:
Avoid planting near:
Common Pests
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Remove affected leaves immediately. Use floating row covers on young plants. Encourage natural predators like parasitic wasps. Spinosad spray if infestation is severe.
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Spray with strong water stream to dislodge. Use insecticidal soap or neem oil. Encourage ladybugs and lacewings.
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Apply floating row covers on seedlings. Use neem oil or pyrethrin sprays. Mulch around plants to reduce habitat.
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Ensure good air circulation. Avoid overhead watering. Remove infected leaves. Use sulfur dust or copper fungicide if needed.
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Plant virus-resistant varieties. Control aphid vectors. Remove infected plants immediately to prevent spread.
Uses
Fresh Salads & Cooking
CulinaryBloomsdale's tender, flavorful leaves are excellent raw in salads or lightly cooked in sautés, soups, and smoothies. The savoyed texture makes it visually appealing and provides good nutrient retention when cooked. [source]
Nutritional & Health Benefits
MedicinalRich in iron, calcium, vitamins A, C, and K, lutein, and oxalates. Traditionally used to support bone health, vision, and overall wellness. Contains beneficial compounds studied for anti-inflammatory properties. [source]
Natural Dye Production
HouseholdSpinach leaves can be used to create natural green dyes for fabrics and paper crafts, particularly when combined with mordants. [source]
Pollinator & Beneficial Insect Support
WildlifeIf allowed to bolt and flower, Bloomsdale spinach produces small flowers that attract beneficial insects and pollinators to the garden. [source]
Preservation & Storage
CulinaryBloomsdale freezes exceptionally well, making it ideal for long-term storage. Blanch and freeze for use in cooked dishes throughout the year. [source]
This is not medical advice. LizPlants is not a medical resource. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional before using plants medicinally.
Harvest Tips
Begin harvesting outer leaves when plants have 4-6 true leaves (about 30-40 days). Pinch or cut leaves from outside moving inward to encourage continued growth. For full plant harvest, cut at soil level in the morning when leaves are crisp and full of moisture. Bloomsdale is best harvested before temperatures exceed 75°F to prevent bolting. Spring plantings typically have a narrow harvest window; fall plantings often provide a longer harvest period into early winter.
Fun Facts
- 🌱 Bloomsdale Spinach was developed in the 1920s and remains largely unchanged—a true heirloom variety that has maintained its excellent characteristics for nearly 100 years.
- 🌱 The distinctive savoyed (crinkled) leaves of Bloomsdale increase surface area, making it easier to clean and more visually interesting than smooth-leaf varieties, while also providing better flavor concentration.
- 🌱 Bloomsdale is notably cold-hardy and can survive light frosts, making it one of the best spinach varieties for early spring and late fall planting in most regions.
Gardening Terms
New to gardening? Learn about terms used in this guide:
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