Spinach Baby Leaf F1 ‘Emilia’ Seeds – Franchi Seeds

Spinach Baby Leaf F1 ‘Emilia’ (Spinacia oleracea) is a modern hybrid variety bred for tender, sweet baby leaves. As the name suggests, it is excellent for eating raw in salads, sandwiches and smoothies, while also versatile for light cooking. Easy to grow and quick to mature, ‘Emilia’ is ideal for staggered sowings to ensure a continuous supply of fresh leaves throughout spring and autumn.

The leaves are smooth, rounded and deep green, with a mild flavour and delicate texture. This variety is highly productive, offering reliable harvests even in cooler conditions. With approximately 1000 seeds per packet, it is perfect for home gardeners and small‑scale growers seeking fresh, nutrient‑rich greens.

🌱 Sowing information
Sow thinly in shallow drills about 1 cm deep, spacing rows 20–25 cm apart. For baby leaf harvests, sow densely and cut when leaves are 8–10 cm tall. For staggered crops, sow every 2–3 weeks in spring and autumn.

☀️ Light exposure
Prefers full sun to partial shade. In warmer months, partial shade helps prevent bolting.

💧 Water needs
Keep soil consistently moist, especially during germination and rapid growth. Avoid waterlogging; raised beds or well‑drained soil are best.

🌡️ Germination temperature & time
Seeds germinate at 8–20 °C, usually within 7–14 days. Spring and autumn sowings in Ireland provide the best results.

📏 Plant spacing & final size
Thin seedlings to 5–7 cm apart for baby leaf harvests, or 10–15 cm apart for larger plants. Leaves are typically harvested at 8–10 cm for baby leaf use.

🌼 Harvesting notes
Harvest young leaves regularly to encourage regrowth. Cut just above the crown with scissors, leaving roots intact for repeat harvests. Sowings in spring and autumn provide multiple cuts before plants bolt.

 

Bullet Technical Data

🌱 Sowing depth: 1 cm
📅 Ideal planting months for Ireland: Spring and autumn
☀️ Light requirements: Full sun to partial shade
🌡️ Germination time: 7–14 days at 8–20 °C
📏 Plant height: Leaves 8–10 cm for baby harvest; mature plants up to 20 cm
🪴 Spacing: 5–7 cm for baby leaf; 10–15 cm for larger plants; rows 20–25 cm apart
⏳ Days to maturity: 30–50 days depending on season and harvest stage

 

🌱 Tips & Tricks for Growing (Garden Expert Section)

• Sow in cooler seasons (spring and autumn) to avoid bolting.
• Harvest leaves young for best flavour and texture.
• Stagger sowings every 2–3 weeks for a continuous supply.
• Mulch lightly to retain soil moisture and suppress weeds.
• Rotate crops to avoid soil fatigue and downy mildew.

 

🍴 Garden-to-Table Recipe (for 4 people)

Fresh Spinach & Ricotta Salad with Walnuts

Ingredients (for 4 people)

• 200 g Spinach Baby Leaf ‘Emilia’
• 150 g ricotta cheese, crumbled
• 50 g walnuts, toasted
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tbsp balsamic vinegar
• Salt & pepper to taste

Method – step-by-step

1. Wash and dry spinach leaves.
2. Arrange on a serving platter with ricotta and walnuts.
3. Whisk olive oil, balsamic vinegar, salt and pepper into a dressing.
4. Drizzle over salad and toss lightly before serving.

Serving suggestions & variations
Serve as a light starter or side dish. For variation, add slices of pear or apple, or replace ricotta with goat’s cheese.