STOKES SEED FARMS COMPANY «ogs» MOORESTOWN, NEW JERSEY gj fe 



SPINACH 



(Spinacia oleracea) 



HISTORY — Probably of Persian origin. T}ie works of the early 

 Arabian physicians speak of the medical properties only. It does not 

 seem to have been introduced as a vegetable until about the Fifteenth 

 Century. The fact that Spam was perhaps the first European country 

 to introduce it as a vegetable was no doubt responsible for its being known 

 to the older botanists as Hispanach. Beckniann, who wrote about 1790, 

 says the first use of spinach as a vegetable was in 1831, at that time being 

 eaten by the monks on fast days. Turner, an English botanist, writing 

 in 153S, states that it was known in England at that time. By that time 

 the name had developed into spinage and spinech, both of which terms 

 were used. In America spinach has grown quite common. There are 

 perhaps a dozen distinct, but not all necessary, varieties. However, they 

 are listed under 113 names. The variety Bloomsdale Savoy was intro- 

 duced by Landreth in 1828. Holland is now the source of the world's 

 best seed supply. New Zealand spinach, Telragonia expansa, is quite 

 a different species and is a native of New Zealand. 



No. 942— Thick-Leaved Viroflay 



Days to Maturity, 45. A variety offered by Henderson in 1882. 

 It is distinguished b}- its heavy, thick leaves, which are of excellent 

 qualit}^. The heads are larger than any variety we list, and are held 

 in high esteem by a great many planters. Although recommended 

 especially for commercial growers, it will prove to be highly satis- 



THICK-LEAVED VIROFLAY 



factory for the home garden. 

 $1.00, postpaid. 



Pkt. 5c, oz. 15c, \i lb. 35c, 1 lb. 



The only important insects attacking spinach are the SpinachAphis (plant louse), the Leaf Miner and Flea Beetle. Spraying with 

 "Black Leaf 40," 1 pint to 100 gallons of water, controls the Aphis. No satisfactory method has been found to control the Leaf Miner, 

 which also attacks beets and chard. Early planting and clean culture will help prevent its appearance. Lead arsenate and other 

 poisons do not kill the Flea Beetle. Spraying with Bordeaux makes the leaves distasteful to the insect. 



No. 940 — Bloomsdale Savoy 



Days to Maturity, 45. Named and introduced by Landreth in 

 1828. The word Bloomsdale was added about 1874 after the variety 

 had been greatly improved. It is probably in more 

 general use than any other variety of spinach 

 known in this country. It is sometimes called 

 Norfolk Savoy. It is very early, and it will prove 

 to be one of the best to plant in the autumn for 

 spring use. Plantings may be made as late as 

 November. The plant is distinguished by its up- 

 right growth and thick, dark-green leaves, which are 

 thoroughly crumpled and blistered, something like 

 Savoy Cabbage. It will run quickly 

 to seed in warm weather, and, 

 therefore, is advised for cool season 

 cropping only, Long Standing and 

 Long Season being suitable for 

 summer work. Pkt. 10c, oz. 15c, 

 li lb. 35c, 1 lb. $1.00, postpaid. 



The important diseases of spin- 

 ach are Malnutrition, Downy 

 Mildew, Leaf Blight and Leaf 

 Spot. Malnutrition is prevented 

 by the avoidance of excessive 

 soil acidity, and by adding humus 

 to the soil. Clean culture and 

 crop rotation prevents the 

 others. 



BLOOMSDALE SAVOY (x.2/3) 



64 



For market gardeners' wholesale prices, see pages 97-98 



