Looking to grow your own greens? These popular spinach varieties are total winners when it comes to flavor and yield. Here’s the lowdown on what makes each one special and how to pick the perfect match for your garden.
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++Virdis (Spinacia oleracea “Viridis”)
This variety has been a staple in Italian gardens for ages and is a go-to ingredient for classic Mediterranean dishes. What’s great about Virdis is its versatility—you can harvest the tender leaves early as baby spinach or let them fully mature. Either way, you’re guaranteed that classic, homegrown spinach flavor.
++Hector (Spinacia oleracea “Hector”)
Hector is another Italian-bred gem known for being a vigorous grower. It has a nice upright growth habit, which not only looks great in the garden bed but also makes harvesting a breeze. It’s become a favorite for gardeners way beyond Italy thanks to its consistently heavy yields.
++Lazio (Spinacia oleracea “Lazio F1”)
Lazio grows in a beautiful rosette shape and is pretty flexible with lighting—it’ll thrive in full sun or partial shade. Just make sure your soil is rich in organic matter and keep it well-watered. Starting in May, you can harvest its deep green, exceptionally tasty leaves. It’s a double threat: it tastes amazing and looks stunning in the garden.
++Red Cardinal (Spinacia oleracea “Red Cardinal”)
If you want some “wow” factor, Red Cardinal is the one. It features bright green leaves with striking deep red stems and veins. It’s a fantastic way to add a pop of color to your veggie patch. Plus, it’s highly resistant to mildew. You can harvest it like a “cut and come again” salad green, and it’s a popular choice for adding flavor and color to fresh salad mixes.
++Butterfly (Spinacia oleracea “Butterfly”)
Butterfly is a fan favorite because it grows so incredibly fast. The leaves are a rich, vibrant green and packed with flavor. It’s also a tough variety, standing up well to common issues like downy mildew, so you won’t have to stress over your harvest. It plays well with other plants, too—just give it plenty of nutrients in the soil.
++Matador (Spinacia oleracea “Matador”)
Matador is one of the most widely grown varieties for a reason—it’s a total workhorse. It grows fast but is slow to bolt (flower), which gives you a much longer harvesting window. It’s frost-hardy, easy to care for, and works just as well in a balcony container as it does in a backyard garden. It’s the perfect all-rounder for any kitchen dish.
++Palco (Spinacia oleracea “Palco”)
Palco is a speedy grower that delivers a big harvest if you give it the right spot. It’s generally mildew-resistant and works for both spring and fall planting. It’s also a great choice for indoor or balcony gardening—it’ll grow happily in a window box or a pot as long as it gets enough light and plenty of water.
++Winterriesen (Spinacia oleracea “Winterriesen”)
Looking for something a little more unique? Try “Winterriesen” (which translates to Winter Giant). This specialty variety is sown exclusively in the fall. It gets its name from its impressive cold tolerance and its massive leaves. The flavor is subtle but has a lovely spicy, aromatic kick that sets it apart from standard varieties.