Vegetable Cultivar Descriptions for North America – Spinach

Lists 1-27 Combined

Edited by Teddy E. Morelock

Department of Horticulture and Forestry
University of Arkansas
Fayetteville, AR 72701

and Beiquan Mou

USDA/ARS, U.S. Agricultural Research Station
1636 East Alisal Street
Salinas, CA 93905

Aden Hybrid (Hybrid 4 Late Savoy) – Breeder: Corneli Seed Company, St. Louis. Parentage: 224.223 x Commercial Line. Characteristics: upright, long-standing, vigorous, savoyed. Resistance: mildew and mosaic. Similar: Bloomsdale Long Strain. Adaptation: wide. Corneli Catalog 15. 1958.

Admiral (SPE420) – Breeder and vendor: Sakata Seed America. Parentage: F1 hybrid. Characteristics: a fresh market and baby leaf variety, has erect, oval-shaped, medium green leaves with a slight savoy. Resistance: white rust, downy mildew races 1–2; moderate resistance to bolting. Adaptation: Texas and the East Coast of the U.S., fall and overwinter seasons.

Ambassador (XPH 1509) – Breeder and vendor: Asgrow. Characteristics: vigorous, fully savoyed hybrid with dark green, heavily bodied leaves, plants are semi-erect for machine harvesting, fresh market use. Resistance: downy mildew 1, 2. Similar: Kent. 1988.

America – Breeder and vendor: N.V. Sluis en Groot, Enkhuizen, Holland. Parentage: Bloomsdale Dark Green x Viking. Characteristics: deep dark green color, matures; later than other Bloomsdale cultivars; extremely slow bolting. Similar: Bloomsdale Longstanding Dark Green. Adaptation: long day conditions and spring sowing. Contract list, Sluis and Groot. 1952.

Anna (SPF328) – Breeder and vendor: Sakata Seed America. Parentage: F1 hybrid. Characteristics: a moderately fast growing variety with an upright plant habit; medium dark green, oval leaf with a round tip; leaf becomes more round as it matures, providing a good pack for processing; smooth leaf surface with slight savoy; suitable for baby, bunch, and processing. Resistance: downy mildew races 1–10; moderate resistance to bolting.

Antelope – Breeder and vendor: Rijk Zwaan USA. Parentage: F1 hybrid. Characteristics: a semi-early cultivar, produces smooth, uniform, dark green, and upright leaves. Suitable for baby, clip, and bunch. Resistance: downy mildew races 1–12. Adaptation: U.S.

Avenger (RS 1037) – Breeder and vendor: Seminis Vegetable Seeds. Parentage: F1 hybrid. Characteristics: Ballet type, round leaves of good size with deep green color, tolerant to rotting, good performance, less vigorous than Ballet. Resistance: downy mildew. Similar: Whale. Adaptation: U.S. 2001.

Avon – Breeder and vendor: Alf Christianson. Characteristics: F1 hybrid, dark green, medium long standing, semi-savoy for early spring planting. Resistance: tolerance to blight and mildew. Similar: Vienna. Adaptation: eastern United States. 1971.

Baby Green (DPSX 7002) – Breeder: Agrotip. Vendor: D. Palmer Seed Co. Parentage: F1 hybrid. Characteristics: dark green, slightly bubbled rounded leaves. Resistance: downy mildew race 5. Similar: Unipak. Adaptation: worldwide. 2000.

Baby’s Leaf – Breeder and vendor: W. Atlee Burpee and Co.

Badger Savoy – Breeder and vendor: University of Wisconsin, Madison. Parentage: complex, not disclosed. Characteristics: very savoy, very long standing. Resistance: blue mold. Adaptation: nationally. Similar: Dixie Market and Virginia Savoy. 1960.

Baker (60) – Breeder and vendor: Alf Christianson. Characteristics: F1 hybrid, dark green, smooth, leaf; moderately slow bolting. Resistance: tolerance to downy mildew, races 1, 2, and 3. Similar: Hyfor. Adaptation: fall and spring spinach growing areas. 1981.

Barbados – Breeder and vendor: Seminis Vegetable Seeds. Parentage: F1 hybrid. Characteristics: a high yielding variety, produces smooth, round, dark green and pliable leaves for improved harvest quality. It is well adapted for fresh market and processing use. Resistance: downy mildew race 1–10.

Basra (Hybrid 8 Early Savoy) – Breeder: Corneli Seed Company, St. Louis. Parentage: 228.223 x selection of commercial cultivar. Characteristics: upright, quick growing, savoyed. Resistance: mildew and blight. Similar: Dixie Market. Adaptation: wide. Corneli Catalog 15. 1958.

Bismark (EO218 (18D-X4)) – Breeder and vendor: Ferry-Morse. Characteristics: F1 hybrid, dark green semi-savoy type, medium short petiole, rounded leaves, medium to slow bolting. Resistance: spinach blight cucumber mosaic virus, common races of blue mold. Similar: Emerald and 7241. Adaptation: California and Wisconsin.

Blackhawk (RS 06601122) – Breeder and vendor: Seminis Vegetable Seeds. Parentage: F1 hybrid. Characteristics: main season, summer-flowering type for sales February to May; vigorous upright plant with good heat tolerance; dark color; for processor and fresh market. Similar: Whale, Boeing. Adaptation: NAFTA. 2004.

Boeing (RS 0669 1037) – Breeder: John Purcell. Vendor: Seminis Vegetable Seeds-Royal Sluis. Parentage: F1 hybrid. Characteristics: mid to late maturity, monoecious; round leaves of good size with deep green color, tolerant to rotting. Resistance: downy mildew. Similar: Ballet. Adaptation: U.S.

Bolero – Breeder and vendor: Royal Sluis. Characteristics: smooth leaf, dark green color, processing type, but some fresh market use. Resistance: downy mildew 1, 2, 3, 4. Similar: Polka. 1991.

Bossanova – Breeder and vendor: Royal Sluis. Characteristics: smooth leaf, fresh market type. Resistance: downy mildew 1, 2, 3, 4. Similar: Polka. 1991.

Bounty (66S22) x Breeder: USDA, New Jersey Agr. Exp. Sta. and Arkansas Agr. Exp. Sta. Parentage: USDA breeding line x America. Characteristics: long standing dark green, adapted to spring production. Resistance: tolerance to blue mold 1 and 2. 1970.

Bouquet (66S9) – Breeder: USDA, Beltsville, Maryland. Vendor: various seedsmen. Parentage: [(Northland x S578) x Northland (2)]. Characteristics: long standing, large, flat, dark green leaf, good processor; outstanding in hybrid combination. Resistance: downy mildew. Similar: Northland-Norgreen. Adaptation: northern half of United States for spring and summer. 1972.

Califlay – Breeder: University California, Davis. Parentage: (Viroflay x PI 140467) x Viroflay4. Characteristics: slightly darker green and immature leaves slightly more crumpled than Viroflay. Resistance: downy mildew. Similar: Viroflay. California. Agr. 10 (7):15, July 1956. 1956.

Carpo – Breeder: Nunhems. Vendor: Canners. Characteristics: medium green, large leaf, short petiole. Resistance: mildew race 1, 2, 3. 1989.

Cascade (58) – Breeder and vendor: Alf Christianson. Characteristics: F1 hybrid, medium green smooth leaf; petioles strong and growth erect; fast growing for winter season bunching or processing. Resistance: tolerance to mildew, races 1, 2, and 3. Similar: Hybrid 424. Adaptation: wide.

Catalina (XPH 17076) – Breeder: Tom McBride. Vendor: Seminis Vegetable Seeds-Asgrow. Parentage: F1 hybrid. Characteristics: dark green; good heat tolerance; flat, rounded leaf, with no curl for a good pack appearance. Resistance: downy mildew races 1, 2, 3, 4. Adaptation: coastal California; spring-summer season. 1997.

Cello-Pak – Breeder and vendor: Rogers. Characteristics: Early freshmarket flat leaf spinach. Medium plant with erect, smooth leaves that are dark green and semi-round. Resistance: downy mildew 1, 2, 3, 4. Similar: Shostar and St. Helens. 1994.

Cherokee (RS 06691031) – Breeder: John Purcell. Vendor: Seminis Vegetable Seeds-Royal Sluis. Parentage: F1 hybrid. Characteristics: late, monoecious, more productive, round darker leaves, between Ballet and Chica for earliness. Resistance: downy mildew. Similar: Chica. Adaptation: U.S. 2001.

Chesapeake Hybrid (Old Dominion X (78X75)) – Breeder: Virginia Truck Expt. Sta., Norfolk. Parentage: Old Dominion and USDA inbred S592. Characteristics: F1, vigorous, winter hardy and moderately long standing; semi-savoy leaf. Resistance: downy mildew, races 1 and 2 and cucumber mosaic blight. Similar: Early Hybrid 7. Adaptation: mid-Atlantic United States. Veg. Growers News 19 (3). 1964.

Chinook (63) – Breeder and vendor: Alf Christianson. Characteristics: F1 hybrid, fast growing, medium green, semi-savoy spinach for autumn planting, petioles strong and erect plant habit. Resistance: cucumber mosaic virus and downy mildew, race 1, 2, and 3. Similar: Early Hybrid 7R. 1981.

Chinook II – Breeder and vendor: Alf Christianson. Characteristics: F1 hybrid, fast growing, medium-green, semi-savoy, erect plant with strong petioles. Resistance: tolerance to mildew races 1, 2, and 3. Similar: Early Hybrid 7. Adaptation: autumn planting. 1983.

Cobra (RS 0669 1068) – Breeder: John Purcell. Vendor: Seminis Vegetable Seeds-Royal Sluis. Parentage: F1 hybrid. Characteristics: European Bolero type, good performance, slower bolting, darker leaf color. Resistance: downy mildew. Similar: San Moreno. Adaptation: U.S. 2001.

Coho (ACX 6) – Breeder and vendor: Alf Christianson. Characteristics: F1 hybrid, upright, emerald dark green semi-savoy that is fast growing and long standing. Resistance: tolerance to blue mold 1, 2, and 3 and high tolerance to white rust. Similar: Melody. Adaptation: wide for fall and spring sowing. 1984.

Correnta – Breeder and vendor: Royal Sluis. Characteristics: long standing, smooth leaf type, dark green, oval leaves, well suited for Clip or Cello-Pack. Resistance: downy mildew 1, 2, 3. 1978.

Crescent – Breeder and vendor: Sakata Seed America. Parentage: F1 hybrid. Characteristics: medium dark green, uniform, semi-savoy, oval leaf; early maturity; suitable for bunching, industry, and home garden uses. Resistance: white rust; downy mildew races 1–7, 9, 11; moderate resistance to bolting. Adaptation: fall and overwinter plantings.

Crystal (WWR 73-14) x Breeder: USDA. Characteristics: medium dark green, flat leaf; bolts quickly, but adapted to areas where white rust is a problem. Resistance: tolerance to blue mold race 1 and 2, white rust. Similar: Early Hybrid 424. Adaptation: Texas, Arkansas, Oklahoma, and Tennessee. 1983.

Cypress – Breeder and vendor: Seminis Vegetable Seeds. Characteristics: uniform dark green color, semi-savoy leaves; spring harvest; consistent performance. Resistance: downy mildew races 1–3. Adaptation: Eastern U.S.

Debut (ARCO 202) – Breeder and vendor: Arco. Characteristics: F1 hybrid, long standing, dark green, smooth leaf type; good for fresh market and processing. Resistance: downy mildew, races 1, 2, and 3. Similar: Polka. Adaptation: western United States winter areas. 1985.

Delta (XP 1042) – Breeder and vendor: Asgrow. Characteristics: F1 hybrid; similar to Early Hybrid 7 but with darker color and higher leaf : petiole ratio and better bolting. Resistance: tolerance to downy mildew and cucumber mosaic virus. Similar: Early Hybrid 7. Adaptation: eastern United States. 1974.

Dixie Market – Breeder: Texas Agric. Expt. Sta., College Station, and USDA, Beltsville, Maryland. Parentage: Virginia Savoy x (12-15 x 42-21) (Vironay type). Characteristics: fast growing; dark green, upright growth; compact; suited for machine harvesting. Resistance: blue mold and spinach blight. Similar: Bloomsdale. Adaptation: southern United States. So. Seedsmen, June 1957.

Douglas (RX 0669 1064) – Breeder: John Purcell. Vendor: Seminis Vegetable Seeds-Royal Sluis. Parentage: F1 hybrid. Characteristics: mid early, monoecious, smooth. Resistance: downy mildew. Similar: no cultivar. Adaptation: U.S. 2001.

Duet (66S-1) – Breeder: USDA, Beltsville, Maryland. Vendor: various seedsmen. Parentage: [(Northland x S578) x Northland (2)]. Characteristics: long standing, good for processing and fresh market, machine harvestable, good combining ability for long standing hybrid production. Adaptation: northern half of United States for spring and summer. 1972.

Early Hybrid 56 – Breeder: USDA and University of Maryland, College Park, Maryland. Parentage: (4 x 3) x (224 x 223). Characteristics: fall type, heavily savoyed, dark green, and erect growing. Resistance: Blue mold and partially to mosaic. Similar: Dixie Market. Adaptation: eastern seaboard and Arkansas Valley. 1962.

Elfin (SPF327) – Breeder and vendor: Sakata Seed America. Parentage: F1 hybrid. Characteristics: medium green, round to oval, smooth leaf; early maturity; suitable for baby leaf. Resistance: downy mildew races 1–10, 11 (partial); moderate resistance to bolting. Adaptation: California, Arizona, and East Coast of the U.S.; year round use.

Emerald (Virginia 62L x Virginia 105K) – Breeder: Virginia Truck and Ornamental Res. Sta., Norfolk. Vendor: various seedsmen. Parentage: Va. 62L (seed) and Va. 105K. Characteristics: hybrid, vigorous, moderately long standing, high yield, and semi-savoyed; variable for plant and leaf type. Resistance: spinach blight and cucumber mosaic virus. Adaptation: mid-Atlantic area. 1974.

Emperor (SPF430) – Breeder and vendor: Sakata Seed America. Parentage: F1 hybrid. Characteristics: dark green, erect, round to oval, semi-savoy leaf; suitable for baby leaf. Resistance: downy mildew races 1–10; moderate resistance to bolting. Adaptation: Colorado, Texas, and the East Coast of U.S. and Canada.

Eslivato – Breeder and vendor: Royal Sluis. Characteristics: dark green, smooth leaf, suited to fresh market and processing, adapted to higher latitudes of North America. Resistance: downy mildew 1, 2. 1975.

Falcon (RS 1069) – Breeder and vendor: Seminis Vegetable Seeds. Parentage: F1 hybrid. Characteristics: Cool season variety, excellent vigor, high yield potential, smooth uniform leaves, even petiole length. Resistance: downy mildew race 1–7. Adaptation: U.S. fall to spring. 2001.

Fallgreen (AR 82-5) – Breeder: Univ. Arkansas. Vendor: Christianson. Characteristics: semi-savoy, dark green color, recommended for fall planting in white rust problem areas. Resistance: tolerance to white rust, downy mildew 1, 2 and fusarium. Similar: Melody. Adaptation: Arkansas, Oklahoma, Tennessee, and Texas. 1987.

Farallon (XPH 17087) – Breeder: Tom McBride. Vendor: Seminis Vegetable Seeds-Asgrow. Parentage: open pollinated. Characteristics: dark green; smooth leaf; very uniform erect plant and canopy; targeted for bunching and clip markets. Resistance: downy mildew races 1, 2, 3, 4. Adaptation: California, Arizona, Colorado. 1998.

Flamenco (RS 960751) – Breeder: Rene Beussen. Vendor: Seminis Vegetable Seeds-Royal Sluis. Parentage: F1 hybrid. Characteristics: medium early, dioecious, big leaf, uniform, healthy, productive. Resistance: downy mildew races 1, 2, 3, 4, U.S. 6, European 7. Similar: Polka. Adaptation: U.S. 1999.

Gladiator (XPH 1420) – Breeder and vendor: Asgrow. Characteristics: semi-savoyed hybrid. Resistance: downy mildew 1, 2, 3, cucurbit mosaic virus. Similar: Seven R. 1984.

Glare – Breeder: D.v.d. Ploeg N.V. Vendor: Herbst Brothers. Characteristics: big oval leaves, fast growing, slow bolting for greenhouse. Resistance: mildew. Similar: Bovri. 1968.

Grandstand (XP 1027) – Breeder and vendor: Asgrow. Parentage: USDA line one parent. Characteristics: hybrid, semi-savoyed, long standing for spring planning. Resistance: downy mildew and cucumber mosaic virus. Similar: Early Hybrid 7. Adaptation: general. 1971.

Green Valley (AR 202 x 200) x Breeder: Arkansas Agr. Exp. Sta. Characteristics: semi-savoy, medium, emerald glossy, recommended for fall planting in white rust problem areas. Resistance: tolerance to blue mold 1, 2, white rust, fusarium. Similar: Hybrid 612. 1980.

Green Valley II – Breeder: Univ. Arkansas. Vendor: Alf Christianson. Parentage: selection out of Green Valley. Characteristics: open pollinated; semi-savoy, medium, emerald glossy, green spinach for fall planting in white rust problem areas. Resistance: tolerance to blue mold 1 and 2, and high tolerance to white rust. Adaptation: Texas and Arkansas for fall planting where white rust is a problem. Similar: Green Valley. 1984.

Greenfield – Breeder and vendor: Alf Christianson. Characteristics: F1 hybrid, smooth leaved; not quite as fast growing, dark green, and longer standing as Hybrid 424. Resistance: tolerance to mildew. Similar: Hybrid 424. Adaptation: northern California. 1967.

Harmony – Breeder and vendor: W. Atlee Burpee and Co.

Hellcat (RS 1036) – Breeder and vendor: Seminis Vegetable Seeds. Parentage: F1 hybrid. Characteristics: Santana type, round, very thick leaves with deep green color, short and deep green stem with large diameter, early. Resistance: downy mildew. Similar: Whale. Adaptation: U.S. 2001.

High Pack (XP 1029) – Breeder and vendor: Asgrow. Parentage: USDA lines. Characteristics: hybrid, long standing type with dark green flat leaves. Resistance: downy mildew. Similar: Hybrid 424. Adaptation: general. 1971.

Hi-Green (DPSX 7001) – Breeder: Agrotip. Vendor: D. Palmer Seed Co. Parentage: F1 hybrid. Characteristics: very dark green, rounded leaves. Resistance: downy mildew race 5. Similar: Unipak 12. Adaptation: worldwide. 2000.

Hybrid 178 – Breeder and vendor: Alf Christianson. Characteristics: F1 hybrid, fast growing, full savoy type; slightly darker green and longer standing than Hybrid 612. Resistance: mildew. Similar: Hybrid 612. Adaptation: Texas and Arkansas. 1960.

Imperial Green (C5-111) – Breeder and vendor: Sakata Seed America. Parentage: F1 hybrid. Characteristics: an Asian leaf type spinach used for bunching; plant habit is very erect with long stems and very dark green leaves. Resistance: downy mildew races 1–7, 9, 11; more bolt tolerant than other bunching varieties.

Indures – Breeder: D.v.d. Ploeg N.V. Vendor: Herbst Brothers. Characteristics: erect, dark green, thick round leaves; mechanical harvest; processing or market. Resistance: mildew. 1968.

Interceptor (RS 06691042) – Breeder and vendor: Seminis Vegetable Seeds. Parentage: F1 hybrid. Characteristics: very big HW, smooth, flat, big leaves, thick and long stem, but of good size; overall excellent performance. Resistance: downy mildew. Similar: Puma. Adaptation: U.S. 2001.

Iron Cross (FMX 41) – Breeder: C.Marcotte. Vendor: Ferry-Morse. Characteristics: medium dark green, medium slow bolting type, semi-savoy type. Resistance: cucurbit mosaic virus. Similar: Avon. 1983.

Iron Duke (18D-X1) – Breeder and vendor: Ferry-Morse. Characteristics: F1 hybrid, savoyed, medium to slow bolting, high yielding, medium dark green leaf color. Resistance: cucumber mosaic blight. Similar: 768. 1980.

Iron Prince (FMX 59) – Breeder: G.Emery. Vendor: Ferry-Morse. Characteristics: dark green, relatively slow bolting, relatively smooth-leaved. Resistance: blue mold, common strains cucurbit mosaic virus. Similar: Hybrid 424. 1983.

Jade (Long Standing) – Breeder and vendor: Alf Christianson. Characteristics: F1 hybrid, long standing, deep green, smooth-leaf type with erect to semi-erect habit. Resistance: downy mildew, races 1, 2, and 3. Similar: Hyfor 2. 1980.

Jewel (WRR 72-2) x Breeder: USDA. Characteristics: dark green, semi-savoy; bolts quickly, but adapted to Texas, Arkansas, Oklahoma, and Tennessee production areas where white rust is a problem. Resistance: tolerance to blue mold race 1 and 2, white rust. Similar: Early Hybrid 7. 1983.

Kent (XP1128) – Breeder and vendor: Asgrow. Characteristics: F1 hybrid, highly attractive, moderately long, standing savoy type, leaves thick with good body weight and carrying quality for bulk handling and packaging. Resistance: tolerance to spinach blight and one or more races of blue mold. Similar: Packer Seven R. Adaptation: wide. 1976.

Laron (Nun 5184) – Breeder: Nunhems. Vendor: Canners. Characteristics: large dark green leaves, quick growth, slow bolting, fresh or processing. Resistance: mildew race 1, 2, 3. 1989.

Lessley – Breeder and vendor: Alf Christianson. Characteristics: F1 hybrid, last growing semi-savoy. Resistance: mildew and white rust. Similar: Wintergarden. Adaptation: where white rust is a problem.

Liberty (FMX 88) – Breeder: G.Emery. Vendor: Ferry-Morse. Characteristics: high yield potential, vigorous growth under cool growing conditions, slow bolting, semi-erect with medium to dark green leaves, moderately rounded and smooth to slightly savoyed. Resistance: blue mold 1, 2. Similar: Polka. 1988.

Lina – Breeder: Nunhems. Vendor: Canners. Characteristics: strong, thick leaves, medium color, suitable for fresh market and processing. Resistance: mildew race 1, 2, 3. 1989.

Majestic (XPH 1444) – Breeder: Known-You. Vendor: Asgrow. Characteristics: flat leafed, light texture, light color, vigorous and fast growing, pointed leaves. 1986.

Manta (XPH 1449) – Breeder and vendor: Asgrow. Characteristics: Semi-savoyed hybrid with large dark green leaves, plant is vigorous and semi-erect. Resistance: downy mildew, race 1 and, 3. Similar: Seven R, Packer, and Kent. 1989.

Marathon (XP-H2) – Breeder and vendor: Asgrow. Characteristics: F1 hybrid, vigorous, high yielding, long standing, semi-savoy. Resistance: downy mildew and blight, cucumber mosaic virus. Similar: Packer. Asgrow’s “Your Crops&emdash;What’s New for ’66” Fall 1965.

Mataress – Breeder: D.v.d. Ploeg N.V. Vendor: Herbst Brothers. Characteristics: smooth, thick, dark green, slow bolting, vigorous robust, erect plants. Resistance: mildew. Similar: Metador. 1968.

Mazurka – Breeder and vendor: Royal Sluis. Characteristics: semi-smooth leaf, well adapted to northern latitudes, dual purpose. Resistance: downy mildew 1, 2, 3. 1978.

Meg – Breeder: John Purcell. Vendor: Seminis-Royal Sluis. Parentage: F1 hybrid. Characteristics: mid late, monoecious, good resistance to bolting, productive, deep green color. Resistance: downy mildew. Similar: Calata. Adaptation: U.S. 2001.

Melody – Breeder and vendor: Royal Sluis. Characteristics: semi-savoy, dark green color, suitable for fresh market and processing. Resistance: tolerance to downy mildew 1 and 2. 1975.

Meridian (XPH 1448) – Breeder and vendor: Asgrow. Characteristics: vigorous, late maturing, slightly crinkled, flat leaved with excellent color, large leaf blades with short petiole. Resistance: downy mildew 1, 2, 3. Similar: High Pack. 1986.

Mig (RS 1035) – Breeder and vendor: Seminis Vegetable Seeds. Parentage: F1 hybrid. Characteristics: smooth, glossy, dark green leaves, uniform leaf size and shape, excellent vigor for transition periods. Resistance: downy mildew race 1–7. Adaptation: U.S. 2001.

Miguel (XPH 17075) – Breeder: Tom McBride. Vendor: Seminis Vegetable Seeds-Asgrow. Parentage: F1 hybrid. Characteristics: thick round flat leaves that make a nice finished product, dark green, vigorous. Resistance: downy mildew races 1, 2, 3, 4. Adaptation: coastal California, fall season; San Joaquin Valley, California. 1997.

Murena (XPH 1509) – Breeder and vendor: Asgrow. Characteristics: very early, vigorous and fully savoyed, leaves are dark green, plant is semi-erect and suitable for machine harvest. Resistance: downy mildew races 1, 2. Similar: Seven R. 1988.

Nordic 4 – Breeder and vendor: Rogers. Characteristics: mid-season flat leaf spinach with semi-pointed, smooth, dark green leaves, good for fresh market or processing, derived from Nordic. Resistance: downy mildew 1, 2, 3, 4. Similar: Nordic and Polka. 1994.

Nore – Breeder: D.v.d. Ploeg N.V. Vendor: Herbst Brothers. Characteristics: large, thick, round to egg shape, dark green leaves, slow bolting. Resistance: mildew. Similar: Viking. 1968.

Olympia (144) – Breeder and vendor: Alf Christianson. Characteristics: F1 hybrid, long standing cultivar that is very fast growing; smooth leaf and dark green. Resistance: tolerance to downy mildew, races 1, 2, and 3. Adaptation: spring and summer sowing for bunching and processor. 1982.

Oriental Giant (39965) – Breeder: Jim Waltrip. Vendor: Seminis-Seminis garden. Parentage: F1 hybrid Characteristics: early, monoecious, erect, productive, uniform. Similar: Parade. Adaptation: home garden. 2001.

Ozarka (AR 120) x Breeder: Arkansas Agr. Exp. Sta. Characteristics: semi-savoy, slightly slower growing than Greenvalley), recommended for fall planting in white rust problem areas. Resistance: tolerance to blue mold 1, 2, white rust, fusarium. Similar: Hybrid 612. 1980.

Ozarka II – Breeder: Univ. Arkansas. Vendor: Alf Christianson. Parentage: selection out of Ozuka. Characteristics: open pollinated, a medium curled, green, savoy spinach for fall planting in white rust problem areas. Resistance: tolerance to blue mold I and II, and high tolerance to white rust. Similar: Ozarka 612. Adaptation: Texas, Arkansas, and where white rust is a problem. 1984.

Pacifica (NVH 3647) – Breeder and vendor: Northrup King. Characteristics: flat leaf type, medium light green color, flat to slightly cupped leaf, medium leaf thickness. Resistance: downy mildew, blight. Similar: Hybrid 424. 1981.

Packer (XP 16) – Breeder and vendor: Asgrow Seed Company, New Haven, Connecticut. Characteristics: F1, medium savoy, dark color, high yielding, erect plant, adapted to mechanical harvest. Adaptation: southern and western United States for cool season harvest. Asgrow Commercial Growers Guide, 1963.

Padre (RS 06710278) – Breeder and vendor: Seminis Vegetable Seeds-Royal Sluis. Parentage: F1 hybrid. Characteristics: semi savoy leaf, very uniform, medium green color; upright and closed, well suited for fresh market; sowing dates in the Southeast are October to November; sowing dates in the Northeast are in the spring and again in September; high levels of white rust tolerance not found in any other long standing types in the market; white rust resistance and bolting tolerance make it attractive and well suited for planting east of the Mississippi River. Resistance: white rust. Similar: San Juan, Melody. Adaptation: northeast and southeast U.S. 2003.

Payday (Hybrid 142) – Breeder: Sluis and Groot, Enkhuizen, Holland. Vendor: Niagara Chemical Division, FMC. Characteristics: hybrid, semi-smooth, dark green heavy leafed, slow bolting habit. Resistance: downy mildew. Similar: Resistoflay. Amer. Veg. Grower, Dec. 1972.

Persius (SPC309) – Breeder and vendor: Sakata Seed America. Parentage: F1 hybrid. Characteristics: a high yielding processing type spinach; medium green, semi erect, smooth leaf with broad leaf type and good petiole length; fast bolting and early maturity. Disease resistance: white rust; downy mildew races 1, 3, 5, 8, and 9, 11 (partial). Adaptation: fall planting.

Polka – Breeder and vendor: Royal Sluis. Characteristics: dual purpose, smooth leaf type, stress tolerant, long standing, dark green color. Resistance: downy mildew 1, 2, 3. 1978.

Primo (E 50601) – Breeder and vendor: Enza Zaden. Parentage: F1 hybrid. Resistance: downy mildew races 1, 2, 3, 4. Adaptation: California, Arizona. 1999.

Rainier (Exp. 4375) – Breeder and vendor: Alf Christianson. Characteristics: F1 hybrid, fast growing and medium long standing, leaves smooth dark green; growth is very erect for bunching; medium curled green, savoy spinach for fall planting in white rust problem areas. Resistance: tolerance to blue mold 1, 2; high tolerance to white rust. Similar: Hybrid 424, Ozarka 612. Adaptation: wide for fall and spring bunching. 1982.

Red Kitten – Breeder and vendor: Rijk Zwaan USA. Parentage: F1 hybrid. Characteristics: has bright red stems and veins with medium green, round, and smooth leaves. Suitable for baby, clip, and bunch. Resistance: downy mildew races 1–13. Adaptation: U.S.

Reflect (B-2759) – Breeder and vendor: Bejo Seeds. Parentage: F1 hybrid. Characteristics: semi-savoy round/oval leaves, suitable for bunch and clip, average 38 days to maturity. Resistance: downy mildew races 1–11. Adaptation: U.S. spring, summer, and fall. 2009.

Regatta (B-2758) – Breeder and vendor: Bejo Seeds. Parentage: F1 hybrid. Characteristics: round, smooth leaf, main season type suitable for bunch/baby/clip, average 41 days to maturity. Resistance: downy mildew races 1–10. Adaptation: U.S. spring, summer, and fall. 2009.

Regency (XPH 1510) – Breeder and vendor: Asgrow. Characteristics: very fast growing, light bodied, flat leafed spinach. Resistance: downy mildew, races 1, 2, 3. Similar: High Pack. 1991.

Renegade – Breeder and vendor: Bejo Seeds. Parentage: F1 hybrid. Characteristics: dark green, smooth, round/oval leaves on tall, sweet-tasting stems, average 42 days to maturity. Resistance: downy mildew races 1–7, 11, cucumber mosaic virus. Adaptation: U.S. spring to fall. 2009.

Request (B-2757) – Breeder and vendor: Bejo Seeds. Parentage: F1 hybrid. Characteristics: round, smooth leaf, main season type suitable for bunch/baby/clip, average 41 days to maturity. Resistance: downy mildew races 1–10. Adaptation: U.S. spring, summer, and fall. 2009.

Revere (B-2756) – Breeder and vendor: Bejo Seeds. Parentage: F1 hybrid. Characteristics: round, smooth leaf, vigorous type suitable for bunch and clip, average 36 days to maturity. Resistance: downy mildew races 1–11. Adaptation: U.S. spring and fall. 2009.

Rhythm – Breeder and vendor: Royal Sluis. Characteristics: early maturing, semi-savoy. Resistance: downy mildew 1, 2, 3. 1978.

Rico – Breeder: Nunhems. Vendor: Canners. Characteristics: large, thick, dark green leaves, slow bolting, fresh and processing. Resistance: mildew race 1, 2, 3. 1989.

Salad Fresh – Breeder and vendor: W. Atlee Burpee and Co. 2000.

Salma (Hybrid #17) – Breeder: Corneli Seed Company, St. Louis. Parentage: (123 x 120) (228 x 223) x commercial line. Characteristics: upright, quick growing; heavy yield. Resistance: mildew and mosaic. Similar: Early Hybrid 7. Corneli Catalog 15. 1958.

Sassy (ARCO 77) – Breeder and vendor: Arco. Characteristics: F1 hybrid, vigorous growing, dark green full savoy for fresh market and processing. Resistance: white rust, downy mildew, races 1 and 2. Similar: Dixie Market. Adaptation: Texas, Arkansas, Oklahoma, and the southeastern United States. 1986.

Savoy Hybrid 612 – Breeder and vendor: USDA, Arkansas, and Texas Agr. Expt. Stations, Beltsville, Maryland. Parentage: (224 x 223) x 214. Characteristics: vigorous, erect plant for machine harvest; excellent market and processing quality; fall planting only. Resistance: blight and mildew. Similar: Dixie Market. Adaptation: New Jersey, Maryland, Virginia, Arkansas, and Texas. 1961.

Savoy Supreme – Breeder and vendor: University of Wisconsin, Madison. Parentage: complex, not disclosed. Characteristics: very savoy, very dark green, very long standing. Resistance: blue mold. Similar: America. Adaptation: nationally. 1960.

Savvy (XP 1083) – Breeder and vendor: Asgrow. Characteristics: F1 hybrid, savoy with dark color; more savoyed than Marathon or Packer. Resistance: downy mildew. Similar: Marathon and Packer. Adaptation: wide for fall planting. 1974.

Scarlet (SP849) – Breeder and vendor: Daenhfeldt. Parentage: hybrid. Characteristics: unique red vein; adds new dimension to baby leaf spinach marketing-color; can be used as an alternative to Swiss chard in a mixed leaf salad pack; delivers both the taste and the nutritional value spinach has to offer. Resistance: downy mildew races 1, 2, 3, and 4. 2005.

Seven R (XP 49) – Breeder: and vendor: Asgrow. Parentage: recombination of USDA parental lines. Characteristics: F1, vigorous, high yielding, semi-savoy with improved uniformity of disease resistance. Resistance: downy mildew and blight (cucumber mosaic virus). Similar: Early Hybrid 7. Adaptation: general fall, winter, and early spring harvest. 1966.

Shamrock (FMX 61) – Breeder: G.Emery. Vendor: Ferry-Morse. Characteristics: dark green, slow bolting semi-savoy type. Resistance: cucurbit mosaic virus. Similar: Avon. 1983.

Sitra – Breeder and vendor: Nunhems Zaden. Characteristics: combines fast growth with slow bolting. Resistance: mildew race 1, 2, 3. 1991.

Skookum (157) – Breeder and vendor: Alf Christianson. Characteristics: F1 hybrid, fast growing long standing semi-savoy with dark green erect leaves. Resistance: tolerance to blue mold races 1, 2, and 3, and moderate tolerance to white rust. Similar: Hybrid Avon. Adaptation: wide. 1982.

SP870 – Breeder and vendor: Daenhfeldt. Parentage: hybrid. Characteristics: a full Savoy; rich dark green color; round leaf shape; fits the needs of the baby spinach grower perfectly; slow bolting, but quick to mature in warm temperatures; high quality product. Resistance: downy mildew races 1–7. 2005.

Spiros – Breeder and vendor: Bejo Seeds. Parentage: F1 hybrid. Characteristics: oval, slightly pointed leaf, dark green, very vigorous, upright, stout stems, heavy yields, average 36 days to maturity. Resistance: downy mildew races 1–5, 8. Adaptation: U.S. spring and fall.

Spitfire (RS 06602026) – Breeder and vendor: Seminis Vegetable Seeds-Royal Sluis. Parentage: F1 hybrid. Characteristics: Semi Savoy type with blistered leaves; very dark green with round leaf; nice upright plant habit with strong uniform petiole length; sow dates in North (fresh market) January-April and again August-October 15; southern Europe sow dates August to mid October and January until mid February; in NAFTA DSW mid October-February and summer months elsewhere; targeted for small baby leaf market – fresh salad. Similar: Springer, Gladiator. Adaptation: NAFTA, Italy. 2003.

St. Helens (58) – Breeder and vendor: Alf Christianson. Characteristics: F1 hybrid, erect growing, smooth leaf, medium-long standing type suited for winter season bunching or processing. Resistance: downy mildew races 1, 2, and 3. Similar: Hybrid 424.

Teton (CXF 1537) – Breeder: Christianson. Vendor: Chriseed. Characteristics: slow to bolt, erect plant habit, deep green ovate leaves. Resistance: tolerance to downy mildew 1, 2, 3, 4. Similar: Olympia. 1993.

Tigercat (RS 1064) – Breeder and vendor: Seminis Vegetable Seeds. Parentage: F1 hybrid. Characteristics: mid early, monoecious, very productive, thin leaves. Resistance: downy mildew. Similar: San Moreno. Adaptation: U.S. 2001.

Tyee (159) – Breeder and vendor: Alf Christianson. Characteristics: F1 hybrid, thick dark green leaves, very long standing and fast growing semi-savoy for market and home garden. Resistance: tolerance to downy mildew 1 and 3. Similar: Melody. Adaptation: wide. 1982.

Unipack 12 (RS900012) – Breeder: D.Sousa. Vendor: Petoseed. Characteristics: dark green color, durable leaf texture, slow bolting, erect plant habit, very uniform maturity. Resistance: downy mildew 1, 2, 3, 4. Similar: Nordic, Space.

Unipack 131 – Vendor: Seminis Vegetable Seeds. Characteristics: smooth pliable leaves, attractive color and leaf shape, uniform in shape and height. Resistance: downy mildew races 1–4, 6 (partial). Adaptation: U.S. fall to spring.

Unipack 144 – Vendor: Seminis Vegetable Seeds. Characteristics: uniform smooth dark green leaves, long harvest window, upright growth facilitates mechanical harvest. Resistance: downy mildew races 1–4, 5 (partial). Adaptation: Coastal California spring to fall.

Unipack 151 (RS900151) – Breeder: D.Sousa. Vendor: Petoseed. Characteristics: dark green, glossy, durable leaf texture, semi savoy type, slow bolting, uniform. Resistance: downy mildew 1, 2, 3, 4. Similar: Melody, Vienna.

Unipack 277 – Vendor: Seminis Vegetable Seeds. Characteristics: semi-savoy, dark green, glossy, attractive leaves, upright plant growth habit, uniform leaf size and height. Resistance: downy mildew races 1–4. Adaptation: U.S.

Vancouver – Vendor: Seminis Vegetable Seeds. Characteristics: large, smooth, dark green leaves, strong regrowth potential. Resistance: downy mildew races 1–3. Adaptation: Eastern U.S. fall harvest.

Ventus (RS0669 1036) – Breeder: John Purcell. Vendor: Seminis Vegetable Seeds-Royal Sluis. Parentage: F1 hybrid Characteristics: mid late, monoecious, round very thick leaves with deep green color, short and deep green stem with big diameter. Resistance: downy mildew. Similar: Santana. Adaptation: U.S. 2001.

Vienna – Breeder and vendor: Alf Christianson. Characteristics: F1 hybrid, dark green, full savoy, medium long standing. Resistance: mildew and blight. Similar: Avon. Adaptation: eastern United States. 1973.

Viking (Heavy Pack) – Breeder and vendor: Sluis and Groot, Enkhuizen, Holland. Parentage: Viroflay x King of Denmark. Characteristics: heavy yielding, smooth leaved cultivar with very dark green color; longer standing than other smooth leaved cultivars with exception of King of Denmark. Adaptation: more to long day conditions in the northern United States than to short day conditions in the southern United States. Contract list, Sluis en Groot, 1935.

Viroflay 99 MR – Breeder: USDA and Texas Agric. Expt. Sta. Vendor: Ferry-Morse Seed Company, Mountain View, California. Parentage: 99 x 95. Characteristics: vigorous, erect with large, slightly rumpled, dark green leaves, larger than Viroflay. Resistance: blue mold, downy mildew. Similar: Viroflay. Adaptation: southern and coastal areas.

Whale – Breeder and vendor: Rijk Zwaan USA. Parentage: F1 hybrid. Characteristics: Features nice round, dark, uniform leaves and is suitable for baby, bunch, and cello – can be used from spring to autumn. Resistance: Downy mildew races 1–9, 11, and 12; races 10 and 13 (partial). Adaptation: U.S. 2002.

Wintergarden (WRR 72-12) x Breeder: USDA. Characteristics: dark green, full savoy. bolts quickly, but adapted to Texas, Arkansas, Oklahoma, and Tennessee production areas where white rust is a serious disease. Resistance: tolerance to blue mold race 1 and 2, white rust. Similar: Dixie Market. Adaptation: Texas, Arkansas, Oklahoma, and Tennessee. 1983.

Wisconsin Bloomsdale – Breeder and vendor: University of Wisconsin, Madison. Parentage: complex, not disclosed. Characteristics: medium savoy, long standing. Resistance: blue mold. Similar: Dark Green Bloomsdale and Long Standing Bloomsdale. Adaptation: nationally. 1960.

Zebu – Breeder and vendor: Rijk Zwaan USA. Parentage: F1 hybrid. Characteristics: a slow growing semi-savoy cultivar, has a very darkgreen leaf with excellent texture. Resistance: Downy mildew races 1–10, and 12; races 11 and 13 (partial). Adaptation: U.S. summer plantings.