Spinach Spinacia oleracea 'Lazio'
ABOUT
The Spinacia oleracea 'Lazio', commonly known as spinach, features a lush green color with leaves that have a slightly crinkled texture, giving them an attractive, voluminous appearance. The leaves are typically broad, with a smooth and somewhat waxy surface, which can appear to be shiny under sunlight. A rich, deep green, the color of the leaves is a hallmark of this variety, indicative of its high nutrient content. The leaves are attached to thin, yet sturdy stems which emerge from a central rosette. The delicate nature of the leaves, coupled with the robust stems, allows the plant to maintain a healthy, upright stance. During its growth cycle, the spinach produces small clusters of tiny, inconspicuous flowers that are usually green or yellowish, blending in with the foliage. These flowers give way to seeds that are encased in fruitlike structures when pollinated. Overall, the plant's appearance is quite dense and leafy, providing a good harvest for culinary use.
About this plant
NamesSynonyms
Spinach, English Spinach, Common Spinach, True Spinach.
Common names
Spinacia oleracea.
ToxicityTo humans
Spinach is not toxic to humans and is widely consumed as a nutritious leafy green vegetable. It is a source of vitamins and minerals, including iron, calcium, and vitamins A and C. Overconsumption of spinach may lead to negative effects in some individuals due to its high oxalate content, which can contribute to the formation of kidney stones in susceptible people. However, for most individuals, eating spinach in typical dietary amounts is safe and part of a healthy diet.
To pets
Spinach is also generally safe for many pets in small amounts, including dogs and cats. However, due to its high oxalate content, it is not recommended to feed pets large quantities of spinach, as it could lead to the development of kidney stones, especially in pets that are prone to urinary issues. Overall, spinach is not considered poisonous to pets, but moderation is key to avoid any potential health issues related to its consumption.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Annuals
Foliage type
Deciduous
Color of leaves
Green
Height
1 foot (30 cm)
Spread
1 foot (30 cm)
Plant type
Herb
Hardiness zones
2
Native area
Southwest Asia
Benefits
General Benefits- High Nutritional Value: Spinach (Spinacia oleracea 'Lazio') is loaded with vitamins and minerals, including iron, calcium, magnesium, and potassium.
- Diet-friendly: This low-calorie leafy green is ideal for weight management and can easily be incorporated into various diets.
- Versatile Ingredient: It can be used in a wide range of dishes, from salads to smoothies to cooked meals, making it a flexible choice for home cooks and chefs.
- Easy to Grow: Lazio is a hardy variety that is relatively easy to cultivate, making it accessible for gardeners of all skill levels.
- Fast Growing: Being a fast-growing plant, it produces a quick harvest, which is beneficial for those looking to grow their own food efficiently.
- Cold Tolerant: As a robust variety of spinach, it is resistant to colder temperatures, which can extend the growing season in cooler climates.
Medical Properties- High in antioxidants: Spinach (Spinacia oleracea) contains antioxidants like vitamins A, C, and E, which may help protect cells from damage.
- Rich in vitamin K: Crucial for blood clotting and bone health.
- Contains nitrates: May help regulate blood pressure by improving vasodilation.
- Source of iron: Important for oxygen transport in the blood and energy production.
- Good for eye health: Spinach has compounds like lutein and zeaxanthin which are beneficial for preventing macular degeneration.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- Spinach ('Lazio') ink: The vibrant green pigment present in spinach leaves can be used to make a natural ink for art projects or even as a dye for fabrics and paper.
- Spinach ('Lazio') leaf bowls: By pressing fresh spinach leaves into a bowl shape and allowing them to dry, you can create biodegradable serving dishes for dry snacks.
- Spinach ('Lazio') leaf stencils: Leaves can be used as stencils for crafting or painting, providing a unique shape and organic flair to designs.
- Plant-based batteries: Spinach ('Lazio') contains natural compounds that have been researched for use in bio-batteries due to their efficiency in energy conversion and storage.
- Natural deodorizer: Spinach ('Lazio') leaves can be used in the refrigerator or small spaces to help absorb odors, similar to baking soda.
- Photographic film: The pigments in Spinach ('Lazio') have properties that can react to light, allowing for potential use in the creation of primitive photographic film.
- Vegetable stamp art: Children can use the cut stems or leaves of spinach ('Lazio') dipped in paint to make stamps for educational and fun art activities.
- Decorative garlands: Dried Spinach ('Lazio') stems and leaves can be strung together to create decorative garlands that can be hung indoors or outdoors for events and festivals.
- Educational tools: The spinach ('Lazio') plant can be used in schools to teach students about plant biology, photosynthesis, and the life cycle of plants.
- Culinary food wrapping: The large, flexible leaves of spinach ('Lazio') can be used as a natural wrap for finger foods or hors d'oeuvres, adding both aesthetic value and nutrition.
Interesting Facts
Feng ShuiSpinach is not used in Feng Shui practice.
Zodiac Sign CompitabilitySpinach is not used in astrology practice.
Plant Symbolism- Strength and Health: Spinach (Spinacia oleracea 'Lazio') symbolizes strength and health, possibly due to its dense nutritional profile, including vitamins and minerals that are essential for physical wellbeing.
- Resilience: As a hardy plant that can grow in cold temperatures, spinach often represents resilience and the ability to thrive in adverse conditions.
- Growth and Vitality: The rapid growth rate of spinach can symbolize personal growth and vitality, indicating a burst of energy or a period of flourishing development.
- Prosperity: In some traditions, spinach is associated with prosperity, much like green leafy vegetables, which show an abundance of foliage, symbolize financial success and stability.
- Renewal: Because it is one of the first crops to be harvested in spring, spinach can represent renewal and the start of new endeavors or the awakening after a period of dormancy.
WaterSpinach, the common name of Spinacia oleracea 'Lazio', requires consistent moisture, so it should be watered deeply once or twice a week, depending on weather conditions. If the top inch of soil feels dry to the touch, it's time to water. Use about one gallon of water per square yard each week, adjusting as necessary during hot, dry periods or when rainfall is abundant. Avoid overhead watering to minimize disease risk; instead, water at the base of the plants. During peak growth, you may need to increase water frequency to maintain the lushness of the spinach leaves.
LightSpinach thrives in full sun to partial shade. It benefits from at least six hours of direct sunlight per day, but in hot climates, some afternoon shade can prevent bolting. The ideal spot for spinach would be an area that receives morning sun and is shielded from the intense midday rays, ensuring a balance of good light exposure without overheating the leaves.
TemperatureSpinach performs best in cool temperatures, with an ideal growing range between 50°F and 70°F. It can withstand a light frost and temperatures down to about 20°F. However, when temperatures exceed 75°F, spinach is more likely to bolt, or go to seed, which reduces the quality of the harvest. To extend the growing season, provide some shade or plant in the cooler periods of early spring and fall.
PruningSpinach does not typically require pruning, but you may need to thin seedlings early in the season to ensure proper spacing, which is about 3 to 5 inches apart. Periodic harvest of the outer leaves can promote new growth and extend the harvest period. It's best to harvest spinach leaves in the morning when they are most crisp.
CleaningAs needed
SoilSpinach, specifically the 'Lazio' variety, thrives best in a soil mix that is rich in organic matter with good drainage. The ideal pH range for spinach is between 6.0 and 7.0. A mix of garden soil, compost, and a little sand to improve drainage can create a suitable environment for growing healthy spinach plants.
RepottingSpinach ('Lazio') is typically not repotted as it is an annual crop. It grows rapidly and is harvested before it would need repotting. Instead of repotting, spinach is sown directly into the ground or started anew each growing season in fresh soil to ensure optimal growth and yield.
Humidity & MistingSpinach ('Lazio') prefers moderate levels of humidity. It does not require high humidity environments; normal outdoor humidity levels are usually sufficient for healthy growth. It’s important to ensure good air circulation to minimize the risk of fungal diseases.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Provide bright light and cool temperatures for indoor spinach growth.
Outdoor
Plant in rich soil, cool climate, partial sun to full shade.
Hardiness zone
2-11 USDA
Life cycleThe life of Spinach 'Lazio', a variety of Spinacia oleracea, begins with seed germination, which is typically within 5 to 9 days after sowing under favorable conditions of moist soil and cool temperatures. Following germination, the seedlings establish themselves with a rosette of simple, spade-shaped leaves which continue to grow and enlarge. The vegetative growth stage is marked by the rapid development of more leaves, which can be harvested when they reach a suitable size for consumption, generally within 6 to 8 weeks. As the plant matures, it enters the bolting stage triggered by longer daylight hours and warmer temperatures, where it grows a flowering stalk and produces small, yellow-green flowers. After pollination, the flowers develop into small, dry fruits called 'achenes', which contain the seeds for the next generation. Following seed maturation, the plant completes its life cycle when the seeds are dispersed, either by human intervention for cultivation or naturally if allowed to fall to the ground.
PropogationPropogation time
Spring
Spinach (Spinacia oleracea 'Lazio') is typically propagated through seeds. The best time to sow spinach seeds is in the spring or fall, as spinach prefers cooler growing conditions. The ideal temperature for germination is between 40 to 75 degrees Fahrenheit (4 to 24 degrees Celsius). To propagate, seeds should be directly sown into well-drained, fertile soil at a depth of about half an inch (1.3 centimeters). Rows should be spaced about 12 to 18 inches (30 to 46 centimeters) apart, with seeds spaced about 1 inch (2.5 centimeters) apart within the row. Once seedlings emerge, they can be thinned to about 3 to 4 inches (7.6 to 10 centimeters) apart to allow for adequate growth. Keeping the soil consistently moist will facilitate sprouting and help young plants establish.
