Growing Spinach, also English spinach

Spinacia oleracea : Amaranthaceae / the amaranth family

Jan F M A M J J A S O N Dec
      P       P P      

(Best months for growing Spinach in USA - Zone 5a regions)

  • P = Sow seed
  • Easy to grow. Sow in garden. Sow seed at a depth approximately three times the diameter of the seed. Best planted at soil temperatures between 10°C and 25°C. (Show °F/in)
  • Space plants: 20 - 30 cm apart
  • Harvest in 5-11 weeks.
  • Compatible with (can grow beside): Broad beans (fava), cabbage, cauliflower, celery, eggplant (aubergine), onion, peas, strawberry, santolina

Your comments and tips

07 May 18, Dhan Kathayat (Australia - temperate climate)
What is the recommended dose of chemical fertilizer for spinach in Australia?
08 May 18, Mike (Australia - sub-tropical climate)
Depends how rich your soil is to start with. If good soil then you wouldn't need any. If your soil needs some then wait until plants are established or put some in the garden before you plant. About 10-30 gms to 9 liters of water - 9 liter watering can from Bunnings.. Small plants about 10-15gms - bigger 20-30 gms. A heaped teaspoon is about 6-7 gms. Trial and error - go on the weak side rather than too strong to start with. Bigger veggies you can increase that to 100-120 - like corn.
26 Apr 18, Helen (New Zealand - temperate climate)
Can you please advise whether all brassicas like some lime or are spinach and cauliflower plants Ok with more acid soil.
08 May 18, Andrea (New Zealand - temperate climate)
Spinach isn't actually a brassica but likes lime yes. Cauliflower, cabbage, broccoli, Brussels sprouts, collard greens and some Asian greeens are in the genus Brassica. See this link if you're interested. https://www.britannica.com/topic/list-of-plants-in-the-family-Brassicaceae-2004620
16 Apr 18, Phil (Australia - temperate climate)
Hi all. Just wondering has anyone had any expierience re different tasting varieties when cooked. This year I grew Amsterdam Giant and was somewhat dissapointed in the intensity of the flavour. Anyone with varieties that they can list that are good when cooked would be appreciated
09 Nov 17, Meta (New Zealand - sub-tropical climate)
i cant really understand, why growing spinach in subtropics is not recommended...pls anyone?
12 Nov 17, Chris (Australia - cool/mountain climate)
It goes to seed (bolts) very quickly in hot weather so it won't get very large before it becomes unusable.
11 Nov 17, Charlotte (New Zealand - sub-tropical climate)
My understanding is that the warmer weather can cause it to bolt and go to seed extremely quickly. It likes sun but needs less heat to give the full benefits and yeild. Nz spinach does better during the summer months and is a good alternative option.
28 Oct 17, Owen (South Africa - Summer rainfall climate)
I have tried a Neem Oil, Bicarb & sunlight dishsoap mixture for some time - it really seems to help.
02 Jul 17, Scott (Australia - sub-tropical climate)
I've had great success with English Medania Spinach from D.T. Brown seeds (in sub-tropical area). I planted about 6 weeks ago and they are ready for picking. Packet recommends planting August and Winter for my area.
Showing 21 - 30 of 114 comments

Any general fertiliser will do. 10-12% N 4-8% P 10-14% K - use 2-3 teaspoons to 9 liters of water. A bit more if the plants are well established less if small seedlings.

- Mike L

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