Fordhook Giant
A reliable leafy type with broad, tender green leaves and good regrowth.
When to plant Perpetual Spinach in Bristol
Beta vulgaris subsp. vulgaris (Leaf Beet Group)
A hardy cut-and-come-again leaf beet that grows well in most UK gardens. Sow in succession from spring to mid-summer for steady picks through autumn and into winter with light protection.
40 cm · Full Sun · Moderate Water
Calibrated to Bristol · average last frost around 19 Apr
| Activity | January | February | March | April | May | June | July | August | September | October | November | December |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sow outdoors | No | No | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | No | No | No |
| Harvest | No | No | No | No | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | No |
Growing guide
What to do through the growing season
01
Sow Seeds
29 Mar to 18 Sept Optional · repeat every 3 weeksSow from 29th March to 18th September. Sow a fresh batch every 21 days.
- Slugs go for seedlings. Check the row after rain.
02
Thin Seedlings
12 Apr to 16 Oct Dates as each sowing reaches this stageAfter each sowing, thin to apart.
03
Protect From Pests
12 Apr to 30 Oct Dates as each sowing reaches this stageAfter each sowing, hand-pick slugs and snails, especially after rain. Fleece is for birds. Keep this up through 30th October.
04
Water Regularly
29 Mar to 2 Nov Dates as each sowing reaches this stageAfter each sowing, water in hot, dry weather from 29th March through 2nd November.
05
Harvest Leaves
24 May to 16 Nov Dates as each sowing reaches this stageAfter each sowing, pick outer leaves from 24th May and leave the centre. Keep picking through 16th November.
- A cloche from autumn can keep plants picking later.
Suggested varieties
Popular varieties of Perpetual Spinach to consider
Bright Lights
A colourful strain with stems in red, gold, orange and white. Leaves are picked young for best texture.
Lucullus
A classic green leaf beet with a mild flavour and steady cut-and-come-again growth.
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Calabrese
Sow indoors March, plant out May, harvest July to September. Typical frost risk November to April.
Perpetual Spinach guides by town
See how Perpetual Spinach timing shifts in other towns with different frost dates.