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 P         P P    

(Best months for growing Spinach in USA - Zone 7a 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
  • Baby spinach
  • Young spinach

Green leaf crop. Spinach grows best in cooler weather and quickly runs to seed in warm weather. Can be sown in Fall/Autumn and overwintered if protected by mulch. Not recommended to grow in warm areas. Alternatives suitable for warm areas are Swiss Chard (Silverbeet) or NZ spinach.

Will not grow well in acid soil.

Succession sowing will provide a supply through the winter months.

Culinary hints - cooking and eating Spinach

Use young leaves in salad.
Steam and add to other vegetables.

Your comments and tips

Post a comment or question Display Newest first | Oldest first, Show comments for USA | for all countries
03 Oct 23, Elaine Fortune (USA - Zone 10a climate)
what is the best variety of spinach to grow in zone 10a?
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02 Aug 21, Henry R (USA - Zone 7a climate)
Best month to plant fall spinach and type in raised beds?
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06 Aug 21, Anon (USA - Zone 6a climate)
Go by the guide here.
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21 Nov 19, William Rowe (USA - Zone 9b climate)
When is the optimal time to grow romaine lettuce in 9b (Ocala,Fl). Thank you.
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14 Jan 21, C.M. (USA - Zone 9a climate)
Ocala, FL is not 9b, it is 9a. You need a better detailed map. If you live all the way up in Ocala and try to use a 9b grow time, you put yourself the risk of a ruined crop due to frost. Also, I am in right below you in southern Marion county and still considered as zone 9a. Good luck!
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12 Sep 13, Mike (USA - Zone 5a climate)
What varieties do best in a September planting?
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See comments for all plants

Perpetual Spinach. This year I planted some perpetual spinach in a fairly large pot. It has grown quite well but the leaves are quite bitter. I have grown Pepetual Spinach in my Veg plot and the leaves were fine, however everything wanted to eat it. Hence planting in a pot any ideas?. Cheers Pete

- Pete

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