What hardiness zones is Spinacia oleracea 'Giant Winter' suitable for?

Spinacia oleracea 'Giant Winter' is an annual leafy green reaching 8-12 inches (20-30 cm) tall with a spread of 6-10 inches (15-25 cm) and a compact, upright rosette habit. An heirloom savoy-type spinach, it produces large, thick, heavily crinkled (savoyed), dark green leaves 6-8 inches (15-20 cm) long on a robust rosette. The savoyed leaves trap soil and require thorough washing. Days to maturity 40-50 from direct sow. Growth rate is fast. Among the most cold-tolerant spinach cultivars—withstands temperatures to 15°F (-9°C) and overwinters in zones 6-9 with minimal protection. The thick leaves hold up to cooking. Slow to bolt in spring—more bolt-resistant than flat-leaf types. Large leaves and heavy yields.

Native Range

Spinacia oleracea originated in Persia (Iran) and was cultivated in the Near East before spreading to Europe by the 12th century. 'Giant Winter' is a traditional European heirloom.

Suggested Uses

Grown in vegetable gardens for culinary use—cooking (holds texture), sautéing, soups, quiche, steaming. Savoyed thick dark green leaves. Most cold-tolerant spinach—overwinters z6-9. Slow to bolt. Large heavy yields. Savoyed leaves trap soil—wash thoroughly. Not suitable for raw salad (thick crinkled texture traps grit) or warm-season growing (cool-season only).

How to Identify

Distinguished from 'Space' by the heavily savoyed/crinkled (versus smooth flat) leaves, the greater cold tolerance, the thicker leaves, and the need for more thorough washing. Distinguished from other greens (lettuce, chard) by the rosette habit, the dark green color, and the mild sweet spinach flavor. Giant Winter—savoyed crinkled, most cold-tolerant spinach 15°F, overwinters z6-9, large thick leaves, slow to bolt.

Appearance

Size & Dimensions

Height8" - 1'

Width/Spread6" - 10"

Colors

Flower Colors

green

Foliage Colors

green

Fall Foliage Colors

no change

Bloom Information

Small, inconspicuous green flowers on bolting stalks when days lengthen and temperatures rise. Dioecious (male and female plants). Bolts later than flat-leaf types. Harvest before bolting—flavor turns bitter.

Detailed Descriptions

Flower Description

Green; small inconspicuous; bolting only

Foliage Description

Dark green; large thick heavily savoyed/crinkled 6-8 inches; compact rosette

Growing Conditions

Sun Requirements

Full Sun Partial Shade

Requires 3-6 hours of direct sunlight daily

• Full Sun: 6+ hours of direct sunlight

• Partial Shade: 3-6 hours of direct sunlight

• Full Shade: Less than 3 hours of direct sunlight

Soil Requirements

pH Range6.5 - 7.5(Neutral)

357912

Soil Types

loam

Drainagewell drained

Water & Climate

Water Needs

Medium

Frost Tolerance

hardy

Time to Maturity

40-50 days from direct sow

Care & Maintenance

Care Guide

Direct sow in early spring 4-6 weeks before last frost, or late summer/fall for overwintering harvest. Moist, fertile, well-drained soil (pH 6.5-7.5). Part shade in warm weather extends harvest. Days to maturity 40-50 from direct sow. Cold-tolerant to 15°F—overwinters z6-9 with mulch or row cover. Harvest outer leaves or cut entire rosette. Succession sow every 2-3 weeks in spring.