The Giant Noble spinach variety has been around for a long time and is sweeter than regular spinach, making it ideal for fresh eating, freezing, or canning. With a growth height of up to 20" in about 45 days and resistance to bolting, this spinach is highly valued. Spinach has a rich history, originating in ancient Persia and arriving in the Mediterranean by the 9th century. It was known for its medicinal properties and as a salad green in England during the Middle Ages. Catherine de Medici loved spinach so much that it became a staple at every meal, and dishes with spinach have been called "Florentine" ever since. Thomas Jefferson even grew several spinach varieties in his experimental gardens at Monticello and helped introduce spinach to the United States. The Giant Noble spinach won the prestigious AAS Award in 1933.
To sow Giant Noble spinach, plant the seeds as soon as the ground can be worked in the spring or after the heat of summer for a fall crop, as spinach thrives in cool weather. In regions with warmer winters, spinach can be grown all winter long. Plant the seeds 1/2" deep and 2" apart in rows 12-18" apart, and later thin the seedlings to 4-8" apart for a continuous crop. Plant more seeds every 10 days until summer heat begins for a steady supply. Since spinach prefers shade, plant it underneath tall plants like corn or pole beans.
When growing Giant Noble spinach, mulch around the plants to prevent weed growth without disturbing the roots. Keep the soil moist but not too wet, as an imbalance in water supply can cause bolting. If temperatures rise above 80 degrees F, provide some shade.
For harvesting, begin picking the leaves as soon as they are big enough for eating. If harvesting individual leaves, take the larger ones on the outside of the plant. Otherwise, harvest the entire plant by cutting it off at ground level, and new leaves will grow. If the plant bolts and sends up a flower stalk, the leaves will be much stronger in flavor but can still be used.
To save seeds, isolate Giant Noble spinach plants from other spinach varieties, and save seeds from 15-20 plants for the best genetic diversity. Do not save seeds from plants that bolt early or have negative tendencies. Long days and warm temperatures cause the plant to send up a flowering stalk, and the seed pods will be mature soon after the leaves turn yellow. Wear gloves when handling the prickly pods and strip them from the stalk. Remove debris from the pods, and store the seeds in a cool, dry place for up to three years.
To sow Giant Noble spinach, plant the seeds as soon as the ground can be worked in the spring or after the heat of summer for a fall crop, as spinach thrives in cool weather. In regions with warmer winters, spinach can be grown all winter long. Plant the seeds 1/2" deep and 2" apart in rows 12-18" apart, and later thin the seedlings to 4-8" apart for a continuous crop. Plant more seeds every 10 days until summer heat begins for a steady supply. Since spinach prefers shade, plant it underneath tall plants like corn or pole beans.
When growing Giant Noble spinach, mulch around the plants to prevent weed growth without disturbing the roots. Keep the soil moist but not too wet, as an imbalance in water supply can cause bolting. If temperatures rise above 80 degrees F, provide some shade.
For harvesting, begin picking the leaves as soon as they are big enough for eating. If harvesting individual leaves, take the larger ones on the outside of the plant. Otherwise, harvest the entire plant by cutting it off at ground level, and new leaves will grow. If the plant bolts and sends up a flower stalk, the leaves will be much stronger in flavor but can still be used.
To save seeds, isolate Giant Noble spinach plants from other spinach varieties, and save seeds from 15-20 plants for the best genetic diversity. Do not save seeds from plants that bolt early or have negative tendencies. Long days and warm temperatures cause the plant to send up a flowering stalk, and the seed pods will be mature soon after the leaves turn yellow. Wear gloves when handling the prickly pods and strip them from the stalk. Remove debris from the pods, and store the seeds in a cool, dry place for up to three years.