Spinach El Halo (El Forte F1) is a hybrid variety developed by the Dutch company Syngenta Seeds for all-season cultivation. This variety is suitable for growing in open ground, greenhouses, and even on balconies. The plant is frost-resistant up to -6°C and prefers cool weather, so it is not recommended for cultivation in southern regions with a hot climate. Spinach has immunity to downy mildew and is resistant to bolting, which ensures a late start of flowering and prolongs the harvest period.
The plant reaches a height of 25 to 50 cm and a width of 15-22 cm, forming a basal rosette with thick, rounded petiolate leaves of a deep green color. Spinach is a dioecious plant, in which male flowers are collected in spike-like panicles, and female flowers are located in leaf axils. The vegetative period is about 42 days. For successful growing, it is recommended to use fertile soil with a neutral pH level, provide moderate watering and loosening, as well as protection from pests.
Spinach El Halo is valued as a useful dietary product; young leaves are used for food, which are rich in vitamins A, B1, B2, C, D, E, P, as well as minerals — potassium, calcium, phosphorus, and iron. Leaves are suitable for preparing salads, purées, soups, sauces, and juices. With long-term storage, spinach retains its appearance, which makes it convenient for implementation and use in cooking.
