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 50°F and 77°F. (Show °C/cm)
  • Space plants: 8 - 12 inches 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

03 Oct 23, Elaine Fortune (USA - Zone 10a climate)
what is the best variety of spinach to grow in zone 10a?
02 Aug 21, Henry R (USA - Zone 7a climate)
Best month to plant fall spinach and type in raised beds?
06 Aug 21, Anon (USA - Zone 6a climate)
Go by the guide here.
21 Nov 19, William Rowe (USA - Zone 9b climate)
When is the optimal time to grow romaine lettuce in 9b (Ocala,Fl). Thank you.
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!
12 Sep 13, Mike (USA - Zone 5a climate)
What varieties do best in a September planting?

No success at all getting spinach seed to germinate. Have tried planting in egg carton covered with plastic to keep moist by still no luck.

- Janette Jenyns

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This planting guide is a general reference intended for home gardeners. We recommend that you take into account your local conditions in making planting decisions. Gardenate is not a farming or commercial advisory service. For specific advice, please contact your local plant suppliers, gardening groups, or agricultural department. The information on this site is presented in good faith, but we take no responsibility as to the accuracy of the information provided.
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