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Spinach Tyee
Spinacia oleracea 'Tyee'
vegetableTyee is a cold-hardy, slow-bolting spinach variety prized for its large, dark green, crinkled leaves and excellent flavor. Developed in the Pacific Northwest, it's particularly suited to fall and spring growing in cool climates. This cultivar is popular with commercial growers and home gardeners alike for its reliability and extended harvest window.
Growing Conditions
Soil
Growing Zones
Find your zone →Thrives in zones 3-9; performs best in cool-season climates (spring and fall in warmer zones)
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Growth Stages
Germination & Seedling
10-14 daysSeeds sprout in 7-10 days at soil temps 50-70°F. First true leaves appear after cotyledons. Seedlings develop 2-4 true leaves.
Keep soil evenly moist. Thin seedlings to 4 inches spacing to reduce competition. Provide bright light to prevent stretching.
Vegetative Growth
20-30 daysPlant develops multiple large, deeply crinkled dark green leaves. Rosette expands steadily with no flower bud formation yet. Leaf production is vigorous.
Water consistently; avoid letting soil dry out. Monitor for pests. Thin to final spacing if direct seeded. Harvest outer leaves once plant is 4-6 inches tall.
Mature Leaf Production
10-20 daysPlant reaches 8-12 inches tall with abundant large, marketable leaves. Leaves are thick, tender, and dark green. Plant remains in vegetative state.
Begin regular leaf harvesting by pinching outer leaves. Continue consistent watering. Cool temperatures keep bolting tendency low. Watch for temperature fluctuations.
Prime Harvest
7-14 days (optimal window)Plant is at peak productivity with maximum leaf size and quality. Tyee's cold-hardy genetics keep it from bolting in cool weather.
Harvest continuously by removing outer leaves, encouraging more growth. This variety can be harvested at baby stage or mature stage. Stop harvesting 2-3 weeks before expected bolting.
Bolting & Decline
Variable; occurs as temps stay above 65-70°F for extended periodsPlant sends up central flower stalk; leaves become smaller, thicker, and bitter. This stage is triggered by sustained warmth and long day length.
Once bolting begins, plant quality declines. Tyee resists bolting longer than many varieties, but warm weather eventually triggers it. Harvest remaining leaves promptly.
Common Pests
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Remove affected leaves immediately. Use row covers on young plants. Spray with spinosad or neem oil if infestation is severe. Encourage natural predators like parasitic wasps.
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Spray with strong water stream to dislodge. Use insecticidal soap or neem oil. Release beneficial insects like ladybugs. Avoid excessive nitrogen fertilization.
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Use row covers on seedlings. Apply diatomaceous earth to foliage. Spray with pyrethrin-based insecticides if populations are high. Encourage ground beetles.
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Ensure good air circulation and avoid overhead watering. Apply sulfur dust or copper fungicide at first signs. Tyee has moderate resistance. Remove and dispose of infected leaves.
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Handpick in early morning or evening. Use copper tape barriers. Beer traps or crushed eggshells around plants. Encourage ground beetles and toads.
Uses
Fresh salads and raw consumption
CulinaryTyee's tender, dark green leaves are excellent raw in salads and sandwiches, especially when harvested young. The crinkled texture holds dressings well and provides a slightly sweet, mild spinach flavor. [source]
Cooking and wilting
CulinaryThe larger mature leaves cook down beautifully for soups, pasta dishes, curries, and as a side vegetable. Tyee retains a tender texture and good flavor even after cooking, avoiding the stringy quality of some varieties. [source]
Nutritional superfood
MedicinalSpinach is rich in iron, calcium, magnesium, potassium, and vitamins A, C, and K. These nutrients support bone health, oxygen transport, and immune function. Consuming fresh spinach provides bioavailable nutrients crucial for overall health. [source]
Natural food dye and coloring
HouseholdThe chlorophyll-rich leaves can be used to create natural green dyes for fabrics and foods. Spinach juice is sometimes used as a natural food coloring in pasta, smoothies, and baked goods. [source]
Pollinator and beneficial insect support
WildlifeIf allowed to bolt, Tyee's small flowers attract bees and other pollinators, supporting garden biodiversity. The seed stage can provide food for birds and beneficial insects. [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 at baby leaf stage (25-30 days) for tender greens, or wait for full mature leaves (45-55 days) for maximum size. Pinch or cut outer leaves from the base, leaving the central growing point intact for continued production. Harvest in the morning when leaves are crisp and full of moisture. Tyee is exceptionally cold-hardy—it can tolerate light frosts and even snow, making it excellent for extended fall and early spring harvests. For best flavor, harvest before temperatures consistently exceed 70°F.
Fun Facts
- 🌱 Tyee was developed in the 1970s in the Pacific Northwest and was specifically bred to resist bolting in cool-season growing. It remains one of the most popular spinach varieties worldwide for commercial and home gardening.
- 🌱 The name 'Tyee' comes from a Native American word for a large salmon from the Pacific Northwest—a nod to the variety's regional heritage and robust character.
- 🌱 Spinach Tyee can withstand temperatures down to the low 20s°F (around -5°C) and even light snow, making it an excellent choice for year-round growing in temperate climates and one of the last greens to survive autumn frosts.
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