Spinach Asta F1

Spinach Asta F1 — variety description

Spinach Asta F1 (Spinacia oleracea) is an annual vegetable of the Amaranth family (Amaranthaceae). Spinach Asta is a bountiful variety that stands out for its hardiness and resistance to unfavourable growing conditions.

In protein content, spinach leaves rank second only to green peas and young bean pods, which means that spinach dishes are quite nutritious and satisfying.

In lists of the healthiest foods compiled by dietitians in different countries, spinach ranks first among vegetables.

It simply has no equal in the composition and quantity of vitamins, trace elements and biologically active substances it contains.

Spinach is one of the best sources of carotene (second only to carrots); its green leaves contain plenty of vitamins C, B1, B2, as well as P, PP, K and E, which are rarely found in other vegetables. In addition, they contain folic and pantothenic acid, salts of potassium, magnesium, iron, phosphorus and iodine.

Thanks to such a rich and varied composition of beneficial substances, this vegetable, according to experts, not only nourishes the body but also removes toxins from it, strengthens blood vessels, helps prevent tumour diseases and anaemia, and has a beneficial effect on the teeth and gums.

Dietitians especially recommend it to pregnant women, children and people in poor health.

Spinach is the earliest spring green — rich in iron, folic acid and vitamins. It is sown in spring and autumn.

Key features

• Measured germination rate of the batch: 95%
• Seeds per packet: 204–276 pcs (2 g)
• Seed origin: Poland
• Sowing: August and September; direct
• Harvest: October and November
• Position: sun to partial shade

When to sow Spinach Asta F1

Spinach Asta F1 seeds are sown in August and September. Harvest in October and November. The months are a guide for a temperate climate — in warmer areas sow 1–2 weeks earlier, in cooler or upland areas, later.

How to sow and grow Spinach Asta F1

• Sowing method: direct
• Depth: 2 cm
• Spacing: 5–8 cm in the row, 20–30 cm between rows
• Germination: 7–14 days at 10–18 °C
• Position: sun to partial shade

Spring sowings are made from late February to early March and harvested in April–May. For an autumn harvest, sow in August–September and harvest in October–November. Recommended for spring and summer harvest. Start sowing in early spring, as soon as the ground can be worked and will not freeze. Sowing in midsummer in hot, dry weather — there is a risk of poor or erratic germination. It forms fleshy, dark green, large leaves gathered in full rosettes. The seeds of this hardy plant can be sown directly in spring, summer and autumn. The soil should be rich in nutrients and have a fairly compact structure that ensures a high level of water absorption. Spinach gives rich harvests in both sun and partial shade. The leaves of the Asta variety can be picked from May to October. The young leaves will be a great addition to salads and sandwiches. Spinach germinates best in cool soil.

Sow in early spring (February–April) and in autumn (August–October). In long days and heat it bolts. Water regularly.

Harvest and use

Pick the leaves before a flower stalk forms.

Frequently asked questions

When should Spinach Asta F1 be sown?

The recommended sowing months are August and September. Sowing method: direct.

How many seeds are in the packet?

The packet contains 204–276 seeds, pack size 2 g.

What is the germination rate of the seeds?

The measured germination rate of this batch is 95%. The test was carried out under controlled laboratory conditions; in the field, emergence depends on soil, temperature and moisture.

Can spinach be sown in autumn?

Yes — autumn sowing (September–October) overwinters and gives the earliest harvest in spring.