Monstrueux de Viroflay Spinach Seeds - Large Leaf Cool-Season Greens

Make room for generous garden greens with Monstrueux de Viroflay spinach, also called Viroflay. This French variety is grown for its large green leaves, useful for fresh young-leaf salads or a pan of wilted spinach with garlic. Sow during cool weather and harvest at the size that suits your kitchen.

Choose your seed size

This listing is for seeds to plant, not live plants or harvested spinach. Available options are:

• 1,000-seed packet
• 1 oz seeds
• 1/4 lb seeds
• 1 lb pack

Weight-based packs are sold by weight. Seed counts shown on weight-based options are approximate and vary by lot.

Variety details

• Variety: Monstrueux de Viroflay / Viroflay
• Botanical name: Spinacia oleracea
• Crop: Cool-season annual leafy vegetable
• Main feature: Large green leaves for fresh use and cooking
• Harvest stages: Baby leaves or larger cooking leaves
• Approximate maturity: About 45–50 days for larger leaves under suitable conditions; young leaves can be picked earlier
• Growing spaces: Garden beds, raised beds, and containers with adequate root space and drainage

Leaf size, texture, and harvest timing vary with planting density, weather, and growing conditions. Allow room for plants to develop when growing larger leaves.

When to sow

Direct sow in early spring as soon as the soil can be worked, or plan a late-summer to fall sowing as temperatures cool. Follow your local planting calendar and allow enough time for growth before severe cold.

Spinach performs best in cool conditions. Hot soil can reduce germination, while heat and long days encourage bolting. Small successive sowings can extend harvests while the weather remains suitable; continuous summer production is not assured.

Sowing guide

1. Prepare a fine seedbed in fertile, well-drained soil.
2. Sow approximately 1/2 inch deep and about 2 inches apart.
3. Water gently and keep the seedbed evenly moist without waterlogging.
4. Thin seedlings to approximately 4–8 inches apart for leaf harvests, giving larger plants extra room as needed.
5. Leave approximately 12–18 inches between rows for airflow and access.

Direct sowing avoids unnecessary root disturbance. Germination may begin in approximately 5–10 days under suitable cool-soil conditions but can take longer. Keep caring for the seedbed and avoid allowing it to dry out.

Growing care

• Provide sun during cool weather; light afternoon shade may help during warmer periods.
• Water consistently to support tender leaves.
• Remove weeds while small and avoid disturbing roots.
• Mulch lightly around established plants, keeping material away from the crowns.
• Feed according to soil needs and fertilizer label directions for vegetables.
• Inspect regularly for leaf damage and pests.

Spinach tolerates frost, but winter survival is not guaranteed. Climate, drainage, plant maturity, and protection all matter; mulch alone does not ensure survival through severe freezes.

Harvesting

Pick a modest number of outer leaves once plants are established, leaving the center intact and enough foliage for continued growth. Alternatively, harvest the whole plant when it reaches your preferred size. Repeat picking depends on plant health and conditions, not a guaranteed regrowth cycle.

Harvest before a flowering stalk develops for the best eating quality. As plants bolt, leaf quality declines; plan a fresh sowing when suitable weather returns.

Kitchen use and storage

Wash leaves thoroughly, lifting away any soil caught around the bases. Use tender young leaves in salads, or cook larger leaves in soups, sautés, pasta fillings, and spinach pies. Refrigerate promptly and use while fresh. For longer storage, follow a tested blanching and freezing method.

Seed storage

Store unused seeds sealed in a cool, dry, dark place away from moisture and temperature extremes. Seeds supplied are for planting, not direct consumption.