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, frittate and in salads. A favourite of Catherine de Medici. Dishes containing spinach are often described as Florentine. Raise seedlings at 18 degrees or plant direct or transplant into moisture retentive, fertile soil in partial shade. Will bolt readily in hot weather or allowed to dry out.