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I've just realised how little I know about growing and seed saving Spinach.
My plan had been to broadcast spinach seeds over an empty bed and let them self seed so that I'd never have to sow them again. With its reputation of being quick to bolt it seemed simple...............but it isn't
RealSeeds advise that beets will cross-pollinate within an area of 2 miles - and that includes any beetroot, chard, perpetual spinach and sugar beet.
Apparently, spinach plants are either male or female so only half will produce seed.
Then, I looked at my spinach seed stash and find that most of them are F1s
Does anyone know what happens when these plants interbreed? Do you get a new variety or something rubbishy?
I already have a bed of selfseeded chard. Am I putting it at risk by growing spinach nearby?
All answers appreciated - thanks
My plan had been to broadcast spinach seeds over an empty bed and let them self seed so that I'd never have to sow them again. With its reputation of being quick to bolt it seemed simple...............but it isn't
RealSeeds advise that beets will cross-pollinate within an area of 2 miles - and that includes any beetroot, chard, perpetual spinach and sugar beet.
Apparently, spinach plants are either male or female so only half will produce seed.
Then, I looked at my spinach seed stash and find that most of them are F1s
Does anyone know what happens when these plants interbreed? Do you get a new variety or something rubbishy?
I already have a bed of selfseeded chard. Am I putting it at risk by growing spinach nearby?
All answers appreciated - thanks
go with what scarlet said! I'm trying to save turnip greens seed this year.
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