'Butterflay' Spinach - Spinacia oleracea

'Butterflay' Spinach – fast‑growing variety with large, tender leaves. 

This variety is an early‑maturing, bolt‑resistant spinach with large, round‑oval leaves and a mild yet robust flavor. It grows compactly in a rosette form and is ideally suited for open field, greenhouse, and container cultivation. Hardy, high‑yielding, and open‑pollinated – perfect for self‑sufficiency and organic farming.

  Origin & History

‘Butterflay’ is an open‑pollinated spinach, developed in the late 20th century specifically for organic cultivation. The breeding aimed to create a variety that thrives reliably in both spring and autumn production, distinguished by its high tolerance to downy mildew. Particular emphasis was placed on late bolting, extending the harvest period significantly and making the crop more attractive for self‑sufficiency and market production.

‘Butterflay’ quickly became established as a reference variety for organic farming, being not only resilient but also highly productive. Its ability to overwinter makes it one of the few spinach varieties that can be cultivated reliably even in colder regions. Internationally, ‘Butterflay’ gained recognition as one of the most stable spinach varieties for organic production. Today, it is grown in many countries across Europe and North America and is regarded as an example of modern variety development that combines traditional open‑pollinated traits with the demands of professional vegetable farming. Thanks to its robustness and versatility, it is valued by both gardeners and farmers.

  Appearance & Characteristics

The plant grows compactly in a rosette form and reaches a height of about 25 cm. It produces numerous large, oval leaves and shows high tolerance to downy mildew. Hardy down to about -10 °C.

Leaf details:

• Size: Large, approx. 10-15 cm long leaves

• Shape: Round‑oval, sturdy, arranged in rosette form

• Color: Fresh green, glossy, distinctly veined

• Texture: Tender, juicy

• Flavor: Mild‑robust, typically spinach‑like

 Usage & Cultivation Highlights

The leaves are excellent for fresh use in salads, smoothies, and as garnish. Briefly steamed or lightly sautéed, they make a classic side dish. They fit perfectly into soups, stews, pestos, and herb spreads. Rich in nutrients yet low in calories, they are popular in diet cuisine and modern bowls. The sturdy leaves are also ideal for quiches, strudels, and casseroles, where they release their aromatic flavor. In Mediterranean cooking they are a favored ingredient for pasta dishes and lasagna, while in Middle Eastern cuisine they are traditionally combined with lentils, chickpeas, or rice. They are also valued in green juices, detox drinks, and smoothie bowls thanks to their wealth of vitamins and minerals. Steamed or blanched, they are suitable for filling dumplings, wraps, and pancakes, and even in modern interpretations such as spinach chips or as a base for green pestos, ‘Butterflay’ unfolds its distinctive aroma.

Thanks to its compact growth and bolt resistance, ‘Butterflay’ thrives reliably in open field, greenhouse, and container cultivation. It is easy to care for, delivers stable yields, and can be harvested multiple times as the leaves regrow continuously. Particularly noteworthy are its uniform rosette formation and high resistance to downy mildew, making it well suited for organic farming. The variety also impresses with rapid juvenile development, enabling an early harvest, and with good cold tolerance that allows cultivation in spring, autumn, and even overwintering. Even under changing weather conditions, ‘Butterflay’ shows remarkable growth stability and delivers consistent yields. In pots it is excellent for balcony and terrace gardens, remaining compact while producing abundant leaf mass. Regular harvesting further promotes bushy growth, ensuring a reliable source of fresh, nutrient‑rich leafy greens throughout the season.

Compared to other spinach varieties, ‘Butterflay’ is especially fast‑growing and bolt‑resistant – ideal for anyone seeking open‑pollinated spinach with dependable growth and classic flavor.