Spinach 'Viroflay'

Plant in a location that enjoys full sun and remember to apply water fairly sparingly. Keep in mind when planting that Viroflay is thought of as half hardy, so protect with a row cover whenever the temperatures drop. Viroflay needs a loamy soil with a ph of 6.0 to 7.0 (weakly acidic soil to neutral soil).

Germination can be tricky. Soak seeds for an hour or two in warm water before planting, and plant extras just in case. Germination will be poor when temperatures are over 85F/30C.

Try to aim for a seed spacing of at least 3.12 inches (8.0 cm) and sow at a depth of around 0.49 inches (1.25 cm). Soil temperature should be kept higher than 8°C / 46°F to ensure good germination.

By our calculations, you should look at sowing Viroflay about 60 days before your last frost date.

Best planted in succession and harvested as whole plants, rather than cut-and-come again. Needs a lot of nitrogen and will benefit from compost. Does not like heat, so plant early.

Ensure that temperatures are mild (minimum night temperatures should be around 0°C / 32°F) and all chance of frost has passed before planting out, as Viroflay is a half hardy plant.

Leaves of this variety can be up to ten inches long.

This variety tends to be ready for harvesting by mid spring.

Introduced in 1866, this French spinach was described by the famous French seed house Vilmorin Andrieux as “Monstrueux de Viroflay”, the monster spinach of Viroflay.

Veroflay

Monstrueux de viroflay, Monster of viroflay