If your summer spinach is always running to seed before you manage to get a worthwhile crop off it, then this is the variety for you because it virtually never runs to seed in its first season. It is succulent, prolific and very hardy, suitable for autumn and winter crops too.

Sowing Instructions: Sow in early spring and/or autumn very thinly in ordinary garden soil in drills 3cm (1in) deep in rows 30cm (12in) apart.

Growing Instructions: As the seedlings grow, gradually thin out to 23cm (9in) apart.

Aftercare Instructions: The thinnings can be trimmed of their roots and cooked. Water freely through the season and harvest by picking a few leaves, snapping them off close to the ground, from several plants rather than completely stripping one. If there are more leaves ready than you can use it is still best to pick them to encourage a steady supply of young green leaves.