Winter giant.  One of the most widely used leaf vegetables in Italy, spinach’s subtle and melting texture compliments delicate dishes of eggs, fish or veal, and is used as a stuffing for pasta, in risottos and frittate. A favourite of Catherine de Medici, dishes containing spinach are often described as Florentine. This is an early variety with vigouous growth and excellent flavour. Grow seedlings at 18 degrees or direct sow or transplantg when minimum night temperatures exceed 7 degrees. Prefers moist, fertile soil in semi shade and will bolt in hot weather or if allowed to dry out.