In 1930, the Giant Noble spinach was named with the All-America Selections award. Its great taste, large dark leaves and its adaptability to all manners of cooking and preserving keep it a winner today. These leaves may be canned or frozen for later use or eaten raw or sauteed. In planting the old varieties of vegetables diversity is maintained.
Each gardener will see a different benefit to growing heirloom vegetables. Some will grow these vintage types as a means to maintain a diverse genetic pool. Others will revel in the unique characteristics of the strain and enjoy the cultivated taste. Another will grow to keep history alive.
One of the bigger reasons to maintain the existence of heirloom produce is to keep the ownership of the seeds in private hands. Until recent decades most seeds were the property of the gardener and diversity was assured due to location and success of gardening. Now most seeds are the property of governments and corporations. Seed companies hybridize and modify the seeds to grow large commercial crops. Growing hybrids alone will create a dependence on the company for each year’s crops.
To be classified as an heirloom is less than an exact science. Literally it used to mean that seeds were collected from plants that were bred and selected for their good taste, growth, and harvest in a specific region. These seeds were then handed down from generation to generation much the same as a fine antique. Today it is generally held that an heirloom is a seed strain that came into being before the years of 1945 to 1951. After this time hybrid seeds were introduced.
Plant the spinach seeds in rows spaced about a foot to a foot and a half apart. Place the seeds into the soil about a half inch deep and two to three inches apart. These hardy plants will grow twelve to eighteen inches tall and will produce many harvests. They have been bred to be slow to bolt and mature within a month and a half.
The seed production is about 2,400 seeds per ounce. To save the seeds for the next planting year let the heads dry on the plant. Then remove the heads, breaking them open for collection of seed. Before storing them in a cool dry location, make sure they are well cleaned and dry.
Taste the history of this well tended plant. The Giant Noble spinach variety has been carried on for good reason. Generations of growers have loved the hardiness and good taste. Now you too can join in and share the food and seeds with your family and friends. Search online for a seed farm that can provide you with this and other heirloom varieties.
Want to find out more about Giant Noble spinach, then visit Shannon Swchartz’s site on how to choose the best spinach for your needs.
