Crystals on Spinach

[Mushroom]

I'm growing some spinach, and the small leaves seem to have lots of tiny crystals on, just like grains of granulated sugar all over them.
Does anyone know what it is and if the spinach is ok to eat? Thanks

[Cutecumber]

How big are these crystals?

Could it be sand? Sometimes, wind can bring sand in - from the Sahara, for example - and it gets deposited here. You often see it on cars.

That's my best guess!

[rustylady]

Are you growing under cover on on open ground?

[Mushroom]

hi!
Actually its the 'beet' type of spinach, my first time at growing it.
They look just like granulated sugar crystals in look and size and are quite evenly spaced attached all over the younger leaves, not like clusters of eggs etc.
I'm growing them in a pot on a raised bench.
I know from a websearch that spinach is high in oxalic acid, I wonder if it might be that forming crystals.

[TPeers]

Could be - mine have the same type of thing, variety sigmaleaf, I put it down to having missed a watering and stressed the plants, the new growth is clear of crystals and I'll be harvesting in a couple of weeks at the current rate of growth!

You should be fine - have you planted out yet or are the affected plants in pots still? If so, pl;ant them out and give them some space!

Terry

[Mushroom]

hi there,
yes space could be it, they were cramped!
hopefully there should be a picture attached of my spinach.

[Flummery]

I've never had this problem but it's amazing what stress can do to plants. Otherwise they look nice and green. Give them a bit more room and I think they'll be ok. When I read this thread I started singing, 'Raindrops on roses and crystals on spinach...' Will it make the charts?

Flum

[TPeers]

'Raindrops on roses and crystals on spinach...' Will it make the charts?

Flum

Do you sing as well as Julie Andrews? If so a dead cert!

[Flummery]

I sing in a choral society and it's our Spring Concert tonight!

[TPeers]

I sing in a choral society and it's our Spring Concert tonight!

Good luck!