What hardiness zones is Spinacia oleracea 'Space' suitable for?

Spinacia oleracea 'Space' is an annual leafy green reaching 6-10 inches (15-25 cm) tall with a spread of 6-8 inches (15-20 cm) and a compact, upright rosette habit. A modern hybrid smooth-leaf (flat-leaf) spinach, it produces smooth, dark green, spade-shaped leaves 4-6 inches (10-15 cm) long on an upright, open rosette that holds leaves off the soil. The smooth flat leaves are easy to wash—a significant advantage over savoyed types. Days to maturity 38-45 from direct sow. Growth rate is fast. Bolt-resistant—among the slowest-bolting spinach cultivars. Suitable for spring, fall, and overwintering. The upright habit with leaves held off soil reduces rot and makes harvesting cleaner. Vigorous and uniform—bred for commercial production adapted to home gardens.

Native Range

Spinacia oleracea originated in Persia (Iran). 'Space' is a modern hybrid.

Suggested Uses

Grown in vegetable gardens or containers for culinary use—raw salads (smooth leaves easy to wash), smoothies, sautéing, cooking. Smooth flat leaves—easiest to wash. Most bolt-resistant spinach. Fastest 38-45 days. Upright habit holds leaves off soil. Modern hybrid. Spring/fall/overwintering. Not as cold-tolerant as savoyed types—less suitable for deep winter harvest.

How to Identify

Distinguished from 'Giant Winter' by the smooth flat (versus heavily savoyed/crinkled) leaves, the easier washing, the faster maturity (38-45 versus 40-50 days), and the more upright open (versus dense rosette) habit. Distinguished from lettuce by the darker green color, the thicker leaf texture, and the mild sweet spinach flavor. Space—smooth flat easiest to wash, most bolt-resistant, upright habit holds leaves off soil, modern hybrid, fastest spinach.

Appearance

Size & Dimensions

Height6" - 10"

Width/Spread6" - 8"

Colors

Flower Colors

green

Foliage Colors

green

Fall Foliage Colors

no change

Bloom Information

Small green flowers on bolting stalks in heat. Among the slowest to bolt—maintains leaf production longer than most spinach in warming spring temperatures.

Detailed Descriptions

Flower Description

Green; small; bolting only

Foliage Description

Dark green; smooth flat spade-shaped 4-6 inches; upright open 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

38-45 days from direct sow

Care & Maintenance

Care Guide

Direct sow in early spring 4-6 weeks before last frost, or late summer/fall. Moist, fertile, well-drained soil (pH 6.5-7.5). Part shade in warm weather. Days to maturity 38-45 from direct sow. Most bolt-resistant spinach—extends spring harvest. Upright habit keeps leaves clean. Succession sow every 2-3 weeks. Harvest outer leaves or entire rosette.