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Growing Winter Giant Spinach in the Vegetable Garden

Winter Giant, also known as Giant Winter or Gigante d’Inverno, is bred for cool-season and overwintered production. Direct sow as soon as the soil can be worked, in early spring or in late summer for fall and winter harvests. Sow seeds 0.5 inch deep in rows 12-18 inches apart and keep the seedbed evenly moist. Spinach germinates best in cool soil, so aim for 45-70 F and provide shade or extra moisture if sowing into late-summer heat.

Thin seedlings to 2-4 inches apart so plants can form large, sturdy rosettes. In mild climates or under row cover and mulch, Winter Giant can overwinter and resume growth in early spring, producing heavy yields of large leaves. The plants perform strongest at temperatures between 30-60 F, making this variety ideal for early spring, late fall, and protected winter production.

Harvesting of Winter Giant Spinach

Begin harvesting baby leaves at about 30-40 days, when foliage is a few inches long and still very tender. Cut individual outer leaves as needed for continuous harvest, or clip whole plants an inch above the crown for cut-and-come-again regrowth.

For full-size bunching, allow plants to reach about 50 days, with large, savoyed leaves that are still young and sweet. Harvest in the cool of the morning, rinse gently, and chill promptly to preserve flavor and texture. Winter-grown leaves are often the sweetest, especially after light frosts.

About Winter Giant Spinach Garden Seeds

Winter Giant Spinach is an heirloom, open-pollinated strain selected specifically for late fall and early winter crops. Plants form large, deep-green, semi-savoyed leaves with excellent cold hardiness, making them a favorite for fall sowings, winter tunnels, and overwintering under mulch.

Often sold under names like Giant Winter or Gigante d’Inverno, this variety is prized by gardeners and market growers for its productivity and sweet flavor in cold weather. It provides reliable greens when many other crops have finished and can be grown twice a year, in early spring and again in late summer, for extended harvests.

Tips From Our Gardeners

"Sow Winter Giant thickly in cool soil, then thin to 2-4 inches so each plant can size up. Use row cover and mulch for fall and winter crops, and enjoy some of the sweetest spinach of the season after a few light frosts."

- Jerry Sawyer, True Leaf Market Writer

Winter Giant Spinach Seeds Per Package:

• 4 g Packet - Approximately 300 Seeds
• 0.25 oz - Bulk - Approximately 525 Seeds
• 1 oz - Bulk - Approximately 2,100 Seeds
• 4 oz - Bulk - Approximately 8,400 Seeds
• 1 lb - Wholesale - Approximately 33,600 Seeds

Non-GMO Winter Giant Spinach seeds are available for Fast Free Shipping on qualifying orders.