The Eastern Field
Spinach 'Bloomsdale' Seedlings
Spinach 'Bloomsdale' Seedlings
Spinach ‘Bloomsdale’ is a long-standing, hardy variety that produces succulent, dark green, crinkled leaves with a rich, sweet, and slightly earthy flavour, ideal for fresh salads, sautéing, steaming, and light cooking.
6 seedlings per bundle
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Delivery & Returns
Delivery & Returns
Delivery
Orders ship within New Zealand via NZ Post. Live plants and organisms are processed on Monday and are dispatched on Tuesday, so orders must be placed by Sunday night. Non-perishable items are processed Monday–Friday, usually within 1–2 business days.
Collection
Click & Collect is available at the Tauranga Farmers Market from 7:45 AM–12:00 PM during operating seasons. Orders are processed on Friday, so they must be placed by Thursday night. Please bring your order confirmation for collection. Orders must be collected during the scheduled time; uncollected perishable items may not be held or refunded.
Returns
Live plants and organisms cannot be returned or exchanged due to a change of mind. Any issues will be assessed on a case-by-case basis under the Consumer Guarantees Act 1993.
Non-perishable items may be returned if they are faulty or not as described. Approved returns should be sent promptly in the original packaging with proof of purchase. Return shipping costs are the responsibility of the customer unless otherwise required by law.
Additional Information
Delivery times are estimates and may vary due to weekends, public holidays, or unforeseen delays. For full details, see the Shipping Policy and Refund Policy.
Spinach 'Bloomsdale' Variety Overview
Spinach Bloomsdale is a well-loved heirloom variety known for its robust growth and strong bolt resistance. Originating in Europe in the early 19th century, it was later introduced to North America, where it became known as Bloomsdale Long Standing and gained popularity for its extended harvest period and ability to maintain leaf quality in cool conditions.
Plants produce a compact, low-growing rosette of thick, dark green, savoyed leaves on short, sturdy stems. The leaves have a succulent texture and a sweet, earthy flavour. Its slow-bolting habit allows Bloomsdale spinach to continuously produce tender, high-quality leaves over a prolonged season, offering greater reliability than faster-bolting, heat-sensitive spinach varieties.
Bloomsdale spinach is best enjoyed raw or lightly cooked to preserve its flavour, texture, and nutritional value. Leaves can be harvested continuously throughout the season using a cut-and-come-again method, with young leaves ideal for salads and fresh use, and more mature leaves well suited to sautéing, steaming, or adding to soups and casseroles.
Spinach is a nutrient-dense leafy green valued for its very low-calorie content and rich vitamin and mineral profile. The leaves provide dietary fibre, folate, potassium, and antioxidants that support digestion and cardiovascular health, while being particularly high in vitamins A and C, iron, and calcium to promote immune function,
energy production, and bone health.
Spinach Bloomsdale is a slow-bolting, cold‑hardy variety that thrives in cool to mild climates, performing best in spring and autumn. Once established, plants tolerate light to moderate frosts and continue producing steadily over winter. Spinach is not heat‑tolerant and may bolt or decline in quality during hot weather, making it best suited to the cooler months.
Plant Information
| Botanical Name | Spinacia oleracea |
| Life Cycle | Annual |
| Primary Use | Culinary |
| Edible Parts | Leaves and stems |
| Planting Season | Spring, late summer, and autumn |
| Climate Hardiness | Cold hardy and frost tolerant |
| Light & Position | Full sun to partial shade |
| Soil & Nutrition | Fertile and well-draining soil |
| Plant Spacing | 30 cm on centre |
| Plant Height | Approximately 30 cm tall |
| Days to Maturity | 20 days from transplant |
| Support Structure | Not required |
| Succession Planting | Transplant every 2–3 weeks |
How to Grow Spinach 'Bloomsdale'
Spinach grows best in the cooler parts of the year and can be transplanted in spring and autumn, when soil and air temperatures are between 5–20 °C. In cooler regions, it can also be planted from late summer, avoiding periods of intense heat, as it is not heat tolerant and may bolt or lose leaf quality in hot weather. Once established, Bloomsdale spinach tolerates light to moderate frosts and continues producing reliably in cool conditions.
Spinach thrives in full sun to partial shade throughout its growing season. Full sun in spring and autumn encourages strong leaf growth and optimal flavour. Partial shade in warmer periods helps moderate soil and air temperatures, reducing heat stress that can trigger bolting and reduce leaf quality. Choose a well-ventilated site with good airflow and avoid hot, exposed positions or waterlogged soils to support healthy, consistent growth.
Spinach is a moderate to heavy feeder, performing best in fertile, well-draining soil rich in organic matter to support healthy leaf growth. Apply organic compost, aged manure, or a balanced fertiliser before planting to provide nutrients throughout the growing season. Ensure the soil has adequate nitrogen, potassium, and phosphorus to promote strong, nutrient-rich, and flavourful leaves. A slightly acidic to neutral soil, with a pH of 6.0–7.0, provides optimal nutrient availability and supports vigorous, consistent growth.
Spinach requires consistent moisture to support steady leaf growth and prevent stress, particularly during establishment. Irregular watering can lead to slowed growth, bitter leaves, or premature bolting, especially in warmer conditions. Water regularly to keep the soil evenly moist but not saturated, allowing excess water to drain freely between waterings to avoid root disease. Mulching helps retain soil moisture, regulate temperature, and supports continuous, high-quality leaf production throughout the growing season.
Spinach can be harvested once leaves reach around 10 cm in length for baby leaf use, or allowed to grow larger for full-size leaves. Young leaves are especially tender and mild, ideal for fresh eating, while more mature leaves develop a deeper flavour and slightly firmer texture, making them well suited to cooking. Harvest by selectively cutting outer leaves at the base, or by cutting the entire rosette above the central growing tip using a cut-and-come-again method. Avoid removing too many leaves at once to maintain plant health and encourage continuous production throughout the season.
Spinach is generally an easy, low-maintenance crop, but young or stressed plants may be affected by common pests and diseases such as aphids, leaf miners, slugs, and downy mildew.
Sap-sucking pests like aphids and leaf miners can weaken plants by damaging foliage and reducing photosynthesis, leading to slower growth and reduced leaf quality. Slugs and snails may also feed on young leaves, particularly in damp conditions. These issues can be managed by removing affected leaves, encouraging beneficial insects, and maintaining good airflow and even soil moisture.
Downy mildew and other fungal leaf diseases are most likely to occur in cool, wet conditions, causing yellowing, pale patches, or spotting on leaves, sometimes with grey, white, or purplish growth on the undersides, which can reduce plant vigour and leaf quality. To minimise disease risk, avoid overcrowding, water at the base of plants, and ensure good airflow around plants.