This is the cold weather version of the Bloomsdale clan, selected for autumn sowing of winter spinach supplies. Deep, deep green and strongly savoyed leaves with an upright habit were the heirloom design for survival outdoors in the old market gardens where this spinach was the king of winter. Introduced in 1826 by the Landreth brothers, who established one of America’s first seed companies in Bristol, Pennsylvania, at their Bloomsdale Farm. After 200 years in cultivation, there are many versions of Bloomsdale maintained by many hands and in many locations. ‘Longstanding Bloomsdale’ was introduced in 1924 as a “spring/summer version,” and there are many derivations bearing their own varietal names. Our 21st century version of Winter Bloomsdale is a “strain cross” between my farmer friend Nash Huber’s well-regarded selection from the Olympic Peninsula, and my dear friend Dr. John Navazio’s carefully selected strain. I think of it as Nash x Navazio by Morton Winter Bloomsdale. This spinach always brings a comment about flavor when folks eat it for the first time. Credit goes to all the mentors and seedkeepers.

Oregon Tilth Certified Organic Seed!