Bloomsdale Long Standing Spinach: Complete Growing Guide

Bloomsdale Long Standing spinach is an heirloom variety introduced in 1908, renowned for its exceptional cold tolerance, slow bolting characteristics, and deeply savoyed dark green leaves. This reliable garden staple matures in 48-60 days, thrives in USDA zones 3-9, and delivers superior flavor compared to modern hybrids, making it the top choice for gardeners seeking a dependable spinach variety that performs well in both spring and fall seasons.

For gardeners seeking a reliable spinach variety that delivers consistent harvests without premature bolting, Bloomsdale Long Standing remains the gold standard more than a century after its introduction. This heirloom variety has earned its place in gardens across North America for good reason—its exceptional cold hardiness allows for extended growing seasons, while its slow transition to flowering ensures multiple harvests where other varieties would have already gone to seed.

History and Development of Bloomsdale Long Standing

Originating in the early 20th century, Bloomsdale Long Standing was introduced by the D.M. Ferry & Co. seed company in 1908. The "Long Standing" in its name specifically refers to its remarkable resistance to bolting—a critical trait that made it invaluable before modern plant breeding techniques. Unlike many heirloom varieties that have faded from popularity, Bloomsdale has maintained its status as a garden favorite due to its reliable performance under challenging conditions.

Variety Characteristic	Bloomsdale Long Standing	Modern Hybrid (e.g., Tyee)
Year Introduced	1908	1950s-1980s
Bolting Resistance	Excellent (slow to bolt)	Good (varies by hybrid)
Cold Tolerance	Superior (survives to 20°F)	Moderate (typically 25-30°F)
Leaf Texture	Deeply savoyed (crinkled)	Often smoother
Disease Resistance	Natural field resistance	Bred for specific resistances

This comparison reveals why many experienced gardeners still prefer Bloomsdale despite the availability of newer hybrids. While modern varieties often boast improved disease resistance to specific pathogens, Bloomsdale's natural field resistance developed through decades of selection provides balanced protection against multiple common spinach ailments.

Key Growing Characteristics

Bloomsdale Long Standing thrives in cool weather conditions, making it ideal for early spring and late fall planting. The plants reach maturity in 48-60 days from seed, producing dark green, crinkled leaves that grow in a semi-upright habit reaching 6-8 inches in height. Each plant typically yields 8-12 substantial leaves before needing to be harvested.

According to research from the Cornell University Cooperative Extension, spinach varieties like Bloomsdale perform best in soil with a pH between 6.5 and 7.5. The university's vegetable growing guide notes that "spinach requires consistent moisture for best growth, particularly during leaf development, but becomes susceptible to root rot in waterlogged conditions" (Cornell University).

Optimal Planting and Care Requirements

For successful cultivation, plant Bloomsdale Long Standing as soon as the soil can be worked in spring, when soil temperatures reach 35°F. The seeds germinate best in cool soil (40-75°F), making it perfect for early season planting. Sow seeds ½ inch deep and 2-3 inches apart in rows 12-18 inches apart.

Key growing tips:

• Thin seedlings to 6 inches apart once they reach 2 inches tall
• Provide consistent moisture (1-1.5 inches of water weekly)
• Apply 2-3 inches of organic mulch to maintain soil moisture
• Fertilize with balanced organic fertilizer when plants have 4 true leaves
• Plant successions every 2-3 weeks for continuous harvest

Seasonal Performance and Limitations

While Bloomsdale excels in cool conditions, it has specific limitations gardeners should understand. The University of California's Statewide Integrated Pest Management Program notes that spinach varieties like Bloomsdale "will bolt quickly when temperatures consistently exceed 75°F, making summer production challenging without shade protection" (UC IPM).

This context boundary is crucial: Bloomsdale performs exceptionally well in spring and fall but requires strategic planning for summer harvests. In warmer climates (USDA zones 7+), consider these seasonal adjustments:

• Spring planting: Sow 4-6 weeks before last frost date
• Fall planting: Sow 6-8 weeks before first frost date
• Winter planting (mild climates): Plant in protected areas or under row covers
• Summer planting: Only possible with 30-50% shade cloth and consistent irrigation

Harvesting for Maximum Yield

Bloomsdale's "long standing" characteristic shines during harvest. Unlike many varieties that bolt after the first picking, Bloomsdale will continue producing new leaves for multiple harvests. Begin harvesting when leaves reach 4-6 inches long, either by cutting outer leaves while leaving the center to continue growing or by cutting the entire plant at soil level.

For best flavor and texture, harvest in the morning when leaves are crisp and full of moisture. Refrigerate immediately after harvest—properly stored Bloomsdale leaves maintain freshness for 7-10 days in perforated plastic bags with a damp paper towel.

Common Challenges and Solutions

Gardeners growing Bloomsdale may encounter these issues:

• Bolting in warm weather: Plant earlier in spring or later in fall; use shade cloth during unexpected warm spells
• Downy mildew: Space plants for good air circulation; water at soil level; remove affected leaves promptly
• Slow germination in cold soil: Use soil thermometer to plant when soil reaches at least 40°F
• Bird damage to seedlings: Protect with floating row covers until plants establish

According to the USDA's National Institute of Food and Agriculture, crop rotation is essential for preventing soil-borne diseases in spinach. Their research shows that rotating spinach with non-host crops (like grains or legumes) reduces disease pressure by up to 60% compared to continuous spinach planting (USDA NIFA).

Culinary Applications and Flavor Profile

Bloomsdale's deeply savoyed leaves hold dressing exceptionally well and offer a richer, earthier flavor than many smooth-leaf varieties. The leaves contain higher concentrations of beta-carotene and iron compared to some modern hybrids, contributing to its robust taste.

Chef-developed preparation tips:

• Use raw in salads when leaves are young and tender
• Sauté with garlic and olive oil for classic preparation
• Add to soups and stews during the last 5 minutes of cooking
• Blanch and freeze for winter use (maintains texture better than many varieties)

Unlike some modern hybrids bred primarily for commercial shipping, Bloomsdale's flavor hasn't been compromised for shelf life—making it the preferred choice for home gardeners who prioritize taste over transportability.

Why Bloomsdale Remains Relevant Today

In an era of increasingly sophisticated hybrid vegetables, Bloomsdale Long Standing continues to thrive in home gardens because it solves real problems gardeners face. Its slow bolting characteristic addresses the #1 challenge in spinach cultivation—premature flowering—while its cold tolerance extends the growing season in most climates.

When selecting spinach varieties, consider Bloomsdale Long Standing if you:

• Experience variable spring temperatures
• Want multiple harvests from a single planting
• Prefer heirloom varieties with proven track records
• Grow in regions with short cool seasons
• Value flavor over perfect appearance

How long does Bloomsdale Long Standing spinach take to mature?

Bloomsdale Long Standing spinach typically matures in 48-60 days from seed. The 'long standing' characteristic means it remains harvestable for weeks longer than many varieties before bolting, allowing for multiple cuttings from a single planting.

Is Bloomsdale Long Standing spinach resistant to downy mildew?

While Bloomsdale has natural field resistance to many common spinach ailments, it does not have specific bred resistance to modern strains of downy mildew. However, its open growth habit promotes better air circulation than some dense hybrids, which helps reduce disease pressure when combined with proper spacing and watering practices.

Can I grow Bloomsdale Long Standing spinach in containers?

Yes, Bloomsdale grows well in containers with a minimum depth of 8 inches and good drainage. Use a high-quality potting mix and ensure consistent moisture. Container-grown plants may need more frequent harvesting as they can bolt slightly faster in pots due to warmer root temperatures.

Why is my Bloomsdale spinach bolting prematurely?

Premature bolting usually occurs due to warm temperatures (consistently above 75°F), water stress, or day length triggering flowering. To prevent this, plant earlier in spring or later in fall, provide consistent moisture, use mulch to keep roots cool, and consider shade cloth during unexpected warm periods.

How does Bloomsdale compare to Tyee spinach?

While both are slow-bolting varieties, Bloomsdale is an heirloom with deeply savoyed leaves and superior cold tolerance, while Tyee is a modern hybrid with smoother leaves and better disease resistance. Bloomsdale typically performs better in colder conditions and has a richer flavor, while Tyee may produce slightly higher yields in ideal conditions.