Dark green, smooth, oval-shaped leaves are a versatile addition to the kitchen. 'Matador' has great, sweet flavor as a mature plant, can also be enjoyed as a baby green in salad mixes, and has the perfect texture for cooked dishes, such as risotto. Productive plants yield smooth, easy-to-clean leaves. Grows especially well when sown for fall harvest. Pick individual leaves from outer edges of plant as they become big enough to use or cut the whole plant 1" above the ground; new leaves will be produced. When picking individual leaves, also removing the leaf stem at the same time is best; this reduces vulnerability to disease during die-back and conserves plant energy. Harvest before the plant sends up a flower stalk (bolting). Just prior to bolting, leaves take on an "arrowhead" shape, adding small keel shapes to the base of the leaf. | Botanical Interests Matador Spinach Seeds