How to Grow Spinach 'Bloomsdale Long Standing'
Wikimedia Commons
Spinach 'Bloomsdale Long Standing'
Spinacia oleracea 'Bloomsdale Long Standing'
vegetableBloomsdale Long Standing is a classic spinach variety prized for its dark green, heavily crumpled leaves and exceptional bolt resistance. This heirloom cultivar remains tender and productive even as temperatures warm, making it ideal for spring and fall harvests. Its distinctive savoyed leaves add texture and visual appeal to salads and cooked dishes.
Looking for a specific variety?
When should you plant Spinach 'Bloomsdale Long Standing' in your zone?
Get a personalized planting timeline — when to start seeds, transplant, and harvest — based on your USDA zone and local frost dates. Free to start.
Example Spinach 'Bloomsdale Long Standing' timeline · Pittsburgh, PA (Zone 6b)
-
Plant Spinach 'Bloomsdale Long Standing'
Around Apr 17Near Pittsburgh's average last spring frost.
-
Tend & protect
Late spring–summerWatering, feeding, and pest-watch reminders.
-
Harvest Spinach 'Bloomsdale Long Standing'
Around May 27≈ 40 days after planting
Sample dates for Pittsburgh, PA. Sign up to get exact Spinach 'Bloomsdale Long Standing' dates for your own zip code.
Growing Conditions
Soil
Growing Zones
Find your zone →Zones 3-9; performs exceptionally well in cool-season climates
Sign up free to see if Spinach 'Bloomsdale Long Standing' grows in your zone — and get a personalized planting timeline.
Get my Spinach 'Bloomsdale Long Standing' timeline →Growth Stages
Germination & Seedling
7-14 daysSeeds sprout in 7-10 days; tiny cotyledons emerge followed by first true leaves with characteristic savoyed texture beginning to show
Keep soil evenly moist; thin seedlings when they develop 2-3 true leaves to prevent crowding and disease; provide bright light
Vegetative Growth
3-4 weeksPlant develops multiple true leaves with distinctive wrinkled, dark green appearance; rosette expands; roots establish
Maintain consistent moisture and cool temperatures (50-70°F ideal); fertilize with nitrogen-rich fertilizer every 2-3 weeks; ensure good air circulation; mulch to retain moisture and keep soil cool
Pre-Harvest Maturity
1-2 weeksLeaves reach full size and color intensity; plant develops 6-10 mature leaves; basal leaves are largest and most tender
Monitor for pest activity; continue consistent watering; this variety's bolt resistance allows slightly warmer temperatures than other spinach types; begin selective harvesting of outer leaves
Harvest Ready
2-4 weeks or moreFully mature plant with abundant, deeply savoyed dark green leaves; plant is dense and productive; bolting is minimal due to variety characteristics
Harvest regularly to encourage continued leaf production; pick outer leaves first to extend harvest window; cooler fall temperatures extend harvest period; remove any flower buds immediately if they appear
Post-Harvest / Bolting
Variable; depends on temperatureIf left unharvested in warm weather, plant develops flowering stems (bolts); leaves become tougher and bitter; 'Long Standing' trait delays this more than other varieties
Harvest before bolting occurs for best quality; once bolting starts, plant productivity declines; allow a few plants to bolt for seed collection if desired
Companion Planting
Plan your garden →Plant with:
Avoid planting near:
Common Pests
-
Spray with insecticidal soap or neem oil; introduce ladybugs; use reflective mulches; strong water spray dislodges pests
-
Remove affected leaves immediately; use row covers to prevent egg-laying; remove weeds that harbor pupae; spinosad as organic option
-
Use row covers on seedlings; apply kaolin clay spray; neem oil spray; encourage natural predators
-
Maintain humidity and consistent watering; spray with water; neem oil or insecticidal soap; encourage predatory mites
-
Ensure good air circulation; avoid overhead watering; remove infected leaves; apply sulfur dust; choose resistant varieties when possible
Uses
Fresh Salads & Raw Consumption
CulinaryThe deeply savoyed leaves of Bloomsdale Long Standing add visual appeal and tender texture to salads and fresh greens mixes. The dark green color indicates high nutrient density, making it a nutritious raw choice. [source]
Cooked & Wilted Dishes
CulinaryMature leaves are ideal for cooking, as the crumpled texture softens beautifully when wilted into soups, stir-fries, casseroles, and pasta dishes. This variety is a traditional choice for creamed spinach and spinach souffle. [source]
Iron & Micronutrient Source
MedicinalSpinach is rich in iron, magnesium, calcium, and antioxidants including lutein and zeaxanthin, which support eye health and overall wellness. The dark green coloring indicates high chlorophyll content. [source]
Smoothies & Blended Beverages
CulinaryThe tender leaves (especially baby leaf stage) blend smoothly into green smoothies and health drinks with minimal grittiness. High nutrient content makes this an excellent superfood addition. [source]
Seed Production & Saving
HouseholdAs a 'Long Standing' heirloom variety, Bloomsdale can be left in the garden to bolt and produce seed for future seasons, offering cost savings and self-sufficiency in propagation. [source]
This is not medical advice. LizPlants is not a medical resource. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional before using plants medicinally.
Harvest Tips
Begin harvesting outer leaves when plant reaches 3-4 inches tall (baby leaf stage at 30 days) or wait for full maturity at 40-50 days. Harvest in early morning when leaves are crisp and cool for best quality. Pick outer leaves first, leaving inner leaves to continue growing. Cut or pinch leaves 1 inch above soil line. The 'Long Standing' characteristic means this variety resists bolting longer than standard spinach, extending the harvest window by 2-3 weeks. Harvest regularly to encourage new leaf production. If temperatures exceed 75°F consistently, harvest all remaining leaves before plant bolts.
Fun Facts
- 🌱 The 'Bloomsdale' variety was introduced in 1925 and remains one of the most popular heirloom spinach varieties over 100 years later, prized by gardeners for its reliability and flavor.
- 🌱 The deeply savoyed (wrinkled) leaves of spinach are not just ornamental—they increase surface area, making the plant more efficient at photosynthesis and improving cooking texture.
- 🌱 Spinach is technically a cool-season annual, but the 'Long Standing' trait means this variety can produce harvestable leaves 2-3 weeks longer into warming temperatures than other spinach types before bolting and flowering.
Gardening Terms
New to gardening? Learn about terms used in this guide:
Join 30,000 gardeners planning their gardens with LizPlants.
Get your personalized Spinach 'Bloomsdale Long Standing' planting timeline
Tell us your zip code and we'll calculate exactly when to start Spinach 'Bloomsdale Long Standing' seeds, transplant seedlings, and harvest — based on your USDA zone and local frost dates. Includes calendar reminders and printable task lists. Free to start.
Get my Spinach 'Bloomsdale Long Standing' timeline →