Yield and Quality of Spinach Cultivars for Spring Production in Oklahoma

Nine (2001) and eight (2002) spinach ( Spinacia oleracea ) cultivars, including hybrid and open pollinated types, were tested for yield and quality characteristics during two spring production seasons in Oklahoma. Cultivars were evaluated for emergence, vigor, color, bolting resistance, and yield. Cultivars did not vary significantly for yield, which ranged from 11.9 to 14.9 tons/acre. `Baker', `Bolero', `Catalina', `Olympia', and `Padre' had significantly higher levels of bolting resistance than other cultivars in the trials. 'Catalina', `Olympia', and `Padre' also exhibited the darkest green color of those cultivars with bolting resistance. Based upon bolting resistance, `Catalina', `Olympia', `Padre', `Baker', and `Bolero' are five cultivars that can be recommended for use in spring planted spinach in Oklahoma and the southern plains.