Growing Spinach, also English spinach

Spinacia oleracea : Amaranthaceae / the amaranth family

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

(Best months for growing Spinach in Australia - temperate regions)

  • S = Plant undercover in seed trays
  • T = Plant out (transplant) seedlings
  • 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

11 Jun 18, Dhan (Australia - sub-tropical climate)
I am searching the recommended fertilizer application rate for spinach in Australian climate ( Melbourne).
13 Jun 18, Mike L (Australia - sub-tropical climate)
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.
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.
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
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.
11 Mar 17, Viv Shakespeare (Australia - sub-tropical climate)
I grew up in NZ and we grew and ate what we called spinach (english) or silver beet. I can easily buy the same silverbeet but never see english spinach, only 'baby'spinach. Not what I want on a winter's night. I thought it may be bought up by supermarkets from 'down south'. Also what did you mean by NZ Spinach? Thanks.
12 Mar 17, John (Australia - temperate climate)
New Zealand spinach, which also grows wild in south eastern Australia is a soft leafed groundcover with the name of Tetragonia tetragonioides. It is also called Warrigal Greens. It grows easily from cuttings and can be eaten raw or steamed. Normally only the tips and fresh growth are eaten. (http://www.gardenate.com/plant/NZ%20Spinach?zone=2)
12 Mar 17, John (Australia - temperate climate)
Try a fruit shop or green grocer. In Victoria we can buy it in a bunch, including the roots (washed). Alternatively you could grow your own. Seed is readily available. All the best.
15 Jul 16, Alan (Australia - arid climate)
What fertilizer should I use before planting silverbeat
Showing 11 - 20 of 76 comments

Ask a question or post a comment or advice about Spinach

Please provide your email address if you are hoping for a reply


All comments are reviewed before displaying on the site, so your posting will not appear immediately

Gardenate App

Put Gardenate in your pocket. Get our app for iPhone, iPad or Android to add your own plants and record your plantings and harvests

Planting Reminders

Join 60,000+ gardeners who already use Gardenate and subscribe to the free Gardenate planting reminders email newsletter.


Home | Vegetables and herbs to plant | Climate zones | About Gardenate | Contact us | Privacy Policy

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.
We cannot help if you are overrun by giant slugs.