Crop type: Spinach
Spinacia oleracea ‘Apollo’ AGM
Common name: Spinach ‘Apollo’
Crop slug: spinach
This Allotment Pro editorial draft summarises the cited RHS cultivar profile and its linked crop guidance. Check the sources and adjust cultivation decisions for local conditions.RHS cultivar profile
1 - Overview
‘Apollo’ is a relatively slow-growing spinach that is slow to bolt and gives good yields of rounded, slightly blistered, medium-textured leaves in medium- to dark-green shades. It also shows some resistance to spinach downy mildew, an important distinction from profiles that merely record susceptibility.
This leafy annual or biennial is harvested in its first year. It forms a compact clump and holds the RHS Award of Garden Merit, combining useful leaf quality, dependable cropping and a degree of disease resistance.
2 - Size
- Ultimate height
- 0.1–0.5 metres
- Ultimate spread
- 0.1–0.5 metres
- Time to ultimate height
- 1 year
- Habit
- Clump-forming
Thin mature plants to the parent guide’s final spacing so rounded leaves can expand and air can move through the rosette. Closer sowings may be harvested young before congestion develops.
3 - Growing conditions
- Suitable soils
- Chalk, clay, loam or sand
- Moisture
- Moist but well drained
- Soil pH
- Acid, alkaline or neutral
Use fertile ground rich in organic matter and supply steady moisture. Mature compost supports leaf growth, while even watering helps maintain quality and reduces stress that could trigger bolting. Do not allow roots to remain waterlogged.
4 - Position and hardiness
- Light
- Full sun or partial shade
- Aspect
- South-, east- or west-facing
- Exposure
- Sheltered
- Hardiness
- H2 — tolerant of low temperatures but not surviving being frozen
Winter crops need sun, while summer crops benefit from light shade. Protect plants during freezing weather. A sheltered position and cool, consistently moist soil complement ‘Apollo’s’ slow-bolting habit.
5 - Colour and seasonal interest
| Season | Foliage |
|---|---|
| Spring | Medium to dark green |
| Summer | Medium to dark green |
| Autumn | Medium to dark green |
| Winter | Green where protected |
Rounded leaf blades with slight blistering and medium texture are the key visual features. The crop is valued for edible foliage rather than ornamental flowers.
6 - Botanical details
- Family
- Amaranthaceae
- Native to Great Britain and Ireland
- No
- Lifecycle
- Annual or biennial
- Foliage
- Deciduous
- Habit
- Clump-forming
- Name status
- Accepted
- Award
- RHS Award of Garden Merit
Genus
Spinacia contains annual or biennial herbs, usually with separate male and female plants, upright stems and smooth ovate or triangular leaves. Edible species are cultivated as spinach.
7 - How to grow
Cultivation
Sow from February under biodegradable fleece or cloches to the end of May, following the parent guide’s depth, rows and thinning. For a succession of leaves, make small repeat sowings and harvest clean outer foliage while leaving the centre intact.
Keep the soil evenly moist. Although ‘Apollo’ shows some downy mildew resistance, preserve airflow and avoid prolonged leaf wetness; resistance reduces risk but does not guarantee immunity. Light summer shade helps prolong production.
Propagation
Propagate by seed. Sow directly or in modules, maintain moisture during germination and transplant before roots become crowded.
Suggested locations
- Allotment or kitchen garden
- Patio container
- Raised bed
- Sheltered edible border
Pruning
No pruning is required. Harvest usable leaves and remove plants after they bolt or their foliage deteriorates.
Pests
The profile says plants are generally pest-free but may be damaged by slugs and pigeons. Inspect beneath foliage and protect seedlings with wildlife-safe netting where needed.
Diseases
Spinach downy mildew may occur, although ‘Apollo’ shows some resistance. Rotate crops, avoid crowding and remove badly affected material promptly.