Overview
What spinach needs, how fast it grows, and whether it suits your plot.
Spinach is at its best in the cool, moist weather of spring and autumn. It grows fast, gives baby leaves in about a month, and keeps producing if you pick a few leaves at a time. Long days and heat make it run to seed and turn bitter, so the secret is timing: sow small batches early, sow again in late summer, and never let it dry out.
Quick facts
- Botanical name
- Spinacia oleracea
- Soil pH
- 6.0 – 7.0
- Feeding
- Moderate feeder
- Temperature
- 15 – 20 °C
- Hardiness
- Any zone, as an annual
- Time to harvest
- 37 – 60 days
- Height
- Up to 30 cm (12 in)
- Propagation
- Seed
Optimal growth
Growing details
- Germination
- 7 – 10 days
- Spacing
- 15 cm (6 in)
- Sowing depth
- 15 mm (⅝ in)
- Frost sensitivity
- Frost hardy
Growing calendar
- Start indoors: February, March
- Sow outdoors: March, April, May, August, September
- Harvest: January, February, March, April, May, June, July, August, September, October, November, December
In modules for an early crop; transplant at about 10 cm (4 in) (RHS). Mid- to late spring, then hardy varieties in late summer to early autumn (RHS). Spring sowings May to October; overwintered sowings October to April (Gardeners’ World).
Is this plant right for you?
- Quick crop
- Cool-season crop
- Frost hardy
- Grows in pots
- Takes light shade
- Needs steady water
- Bolts in heat
Good to know
It does well in a pot indoors or out, so you do not need a bed for it. It stands frost, so it can go out earlier than tender crops.
Before You Grow
Choose smooth or savoy, slow-bolting or hardy, and fertile, moist soil in sun or light shade.
Spinach seed more than a year old germinates poorly: buy fresh each year (Clemson).
What you need
Fresh seed
Slow-bolting or hardy, by season. See choose your spinach.
Fertile, moist soil
With plenty of compost. See soil.
A watering can
Dry spells cause bolting. See watering.
Cloches or fleece
For early and winter crops. See overwintering.
Slug protection
For soft young leaves. See pests.
Choose your spinach
Smooth-leaved varieties have flat, upright leaves, are generally more robust, cope better with warm weather and stay cleaner: soil catches in crinkled leaves (RHS, Illinois).
Savoy varieties have puckered, crinkled leaves, like ‘Bloomsdale’; semi-savoys fall in between (UMD, Clemson).
Slow-bolting ("long-standing") varieties suit spring and early summer sowings (Illinois): RHS AGM ‘Missouri’, ‘Amazon’ and ‘Palco’.
Hardy varieties for autumn sowing and overwintering: ‘Atlanta’ (Gardeners’ World). Check the packet for sowing times (RHS).
Disease resistance. Downy-mildew-resistant varieties such as ‘Amazon’ and ‘Palco’ help in humid areas (RHS, Gardeners’ World).
Summer alternatives. Perpetual spinach (a leaf beet) crops for up to a year and bolts less; New Zealand and Malabar spinach like heat (RHS, UMD).
Spinach varieties compared
-
‘Amazon’
- Leaf
- Smooth, rounded
- Strength
- Resists downy mildew and bolting
- Sow
- Spring and summer
-
‘Missouri’
- Leaf
- Smooth
- Strength
- Slow to bolt; good in containers
- Sow
- Spring and summer
-
‘Palco’
- Leaf
- Smooth
- Strength
- Resists mildew; slow to bolt
- Sow
- Spring and summer
-
‘Medania’
- Leaf
- Slightly puckered
- Strength
- Tender and juicy
- Sow
- Spring and autumn
-
‘Atlanta’
- Leaf
- Smooth
- Strength
- Hardy, for winter
- Sow
- Late summer and autumn
-
‘Bloomsdale’
- Leaf
- Semi-savoy
- Strength
- Traditional variety
- Sow
- Spring and autumn
From the RHS, Gardeners’ World and Clemson. For spring, a slow-bolting variety; for winter, a hardy one.
Where spinach grows best
Spinach is a cool-season crop that grows best at 15 to 20 °C (60 to 70 °F) (RHS). Cold, heat and drought all make it bolt.
Light. Sun in spring and autumn; partial shade with four to six hours of direct light in warmer weather (UMD, RHS). In summer, sow in the shade of taller crops such as sweetcorn or beans (RHS, Gardeners’ World).
Heat and day length. Long days of late spring and summer, sped up by warmth, trigger flowering (Illinois). Above about 24 °C (75 °F) leaves turn bitter (Utah State).
Frost. A hardy annual that stands heavy frosts in spring and autumn (UMD); Clemson finds it survives −7 °C (20 °F) without injury.
- Best growth
- 15 to 20 °C (60 to 70 °F)
- Light
- Sun; light shade in summer
- Frost
- Survives about −7 °C (20 °F)
Soil
Spinach needs fertile, moisture-retentive but well-drained soil (RHS, Illinois).
Preparation. Fork in plenty of garden compost or well-rotted manure; on poor soil, rake in a general fertiliser too (RHS). No-dig growers sow into a compost mulch.
pH. 6.0 to 7.0. Spinach is sensitive to acid soil, so lime according to a soil test, at least three months before sowing (Clemson).
Drainage. Raised beds help air and water drain, reducing damping off and mildew (Clemson, Illinois).
Planting
Sow direct in cool weather, little and often, and thin early.
Seed germinates poorly in hot soil: above about 27 °C (80 °F) (Utah State).
When to sow spinach
Spinach seed germinates best in cool weather (RHS): 13 to 18 °C (55 to 65 °F) (Utah State). It can be sown once soil reaches 4 to 7 °C (40 to 45 °F) (Utah State, UMD).
Spring. In the UK, mid- to late spring, for leaves in late spring and summer. Very early sowings in cold weather tend to bolt: protect them with cloches or fleece (RHS). In the US, two to three weeks before the last frost (Utah State).
Late summer to early autumn. Hardy varieties for autumn and early spring leaves. Wait if it’s still hot, but sow early enough for plants to establish before winter (RHS).
Little and often. A small batch every few weeks (RHS, Gardeners’ World).
Summer or autumn sowings. Illinois chills seed in the fridge for a week or two first.
- Spring and late summer.
- Small batches every few weeks.
- Not in midsummer heat.
How to sow spinach
Spinach is best sown where it will grow: root disturbance can trigger bolting (RHS). Seedlings appear in 7 to 10 days (Utah State).
-
Make a drill
1.5 to 2.5 cm (½ to 1 in) deep, in sun or light shade (Gardeners’ World, RHS).
-
Sow thinly
About 5 cm (2 in) apart, with rows 20 to 30 cm (8 to 12 in) apart (RHS, Utah State).
-
Firm and water
Firm the soil over the seed and water well (Clemson, Gardeners’ World).
-
Protect early sowings
With cloches or fleece in cool weather (Gardeners’ World).
-
Or sow in modules
One seed per cell indoors from early spring for an early crop; plant out at about 10 cm (4 in), 15 cm (6 in) apart, without disturbing the roots (RHS).
Thinning spinach
Crowded spinach grows poorly and invites downy mildew (RHS).
-
First thinning
When seedlings are large enough to handle, thin to 7.5 cm (3 in) apart, removing the weaker ones (RHS).
-
Second thinning
A few weeks later, pick every other plant for salads, leaving the rest about 15 cm (6 in) apart (RHS, UMD).
-
Eat the thinnings
Whole young plants are good raw or cooked (Illinois, Utah State).
-
Baby leaves only?
Close spacing without thinning is fine when you’ll cut whole plants young (Illinois).
Care
Water steadily, keep weeds down, and protect autumn sowings through winter.
Lack of water interrupts growth and triggers bolting (RHS).
Care by growth stage
Seedlings
Weeds: keep clear
Thin, weed and protect from slugs. See thinning.
Leafy growth
Water: 2.5 to 5 cm (1 to 2 in) a week
Keep the soil moist. See watering.
Cropping
Pick: outer leaves
Pick regularly. See harvesting.
Bolting
Resow: late summer
Harvest everything and pull the plant. See common problems.
Winter
Cover: from October
Cover hardy sowings. See overwintering.
Watering spinach
Spinach is a thirsty crop. Lack of water interrupts growth and triggers bolting; seedlings can wilt and die (RHS).
How much. 2.5 to 5 cm (1 to 2 in) a week, soaking the soil about 15 cm (6 in) deep (Utah State, Clemson). Light sprinklings only encourage shallow roots.
When. In the morning, so leaves dry before night; damp evenings encourage slugs and mildew (RHS, Clemson).
Steady. Uneven moisture makes leaves tough and off-flavoured (Utah State).
Mulch helps hold moisture and cool the soil (Utah State). In hot spells, temporary shade stops the soil drying out (Gardeners’ World).
Feeding spinach
Spinach has a high nutrient need (UMD), but in fertile, moist soil prepared with compost it needs no extra feed (Illinois).
If growth is slow or pale, side-dress with a nitrogen fertiliser (Illinois), about three to four weeks after planting or at thinning (Utah State, Clemson).
Keep it off the leaves. Wash any granules off the foliage to avoid scorching (Clemson).
Spinach in containers
Spinach grows well in containers and growing bags (RHS, Gardeners’ World).
Container. At least 30 cm (1 ft) wide and deep, so the compost doesn’t dry out too fast (RHS).
Position. Out of hot midday sun (RHS).
Water often: potting compost dries quickly, and dry pots make spinach bolt. Slow-bolting ‘Missouri’ and ‘Apollo’ suit containers (RHS, Gardeners’ World).
Overwintering and intercropping
Spinach fills gaps in space and in the season.
Under cloches or fleece
Grow together · Agronomic reason
Cover hardy varieties from October unless your winters are mild (RHS). Plants with four or five true leaves before winter overwinter well under a heavy mulch (Utah State).
In a greenhouse or cold frame
Grow together · Agronomic reason
Autumn sowings in a greenhouse border, cold frame or low tunnel give winter salads (RHS, Illinois). Pick when it’s above freezing (Illinois).
Among taller crops
Grow together · Wants the same conditions
Sow between beans or sweetcorn: their shade keeps spinach cooler (RHS, Gardeners’ World).
Same spot every year
Keep apart · Agronomic reason
Downy mildew spores stay in the soil; move spinach around the plot (Gardeners’ World, Utah State).
Problems
Bolting, downy mildew, slugs and aphids are the main troubles.
Common spinach problems
Bolting is the most common way a spinach crop ends early.
Bolting
- Long days
- Heat
- Drought
A flower stalk shoots up and leaves turn bitter. Sow in spring and late summer, water steadily, and grow slow-bolting varieties. Once it starts, harvest everything (RHS, Illinois).
Bitter or tough leaves
- Heat
- Uneven water
Growing above about 24 °C (75 °F) or with uneven moisture (Utah State).
Poor germination
- Hot soil
- Old seed
Soil too warm, or seed over a year old (Utah State, Clemson).
Gritty leaves
- Savoy type
Soil splashes into crinkled leaves. Grow a smooth variety or mulch (Illinois).
Rotting lower leaves
- Soil on leaves
Leaves covered with soil rot quickly: don’t hoe soil towards the plants (Clemson).
More problems with spinach
Common pests
Slugs and snails
Eat soft young leaves (RHS). Keep weeds down so they have fewer places to hide.
Aphids
Curl leaves and spread viruses (Clemson). Wash off with a strong jet of water or use insecticidal soap (Utah State).
Flea beetles and caterpillars
Flea beetles pit seedlings; cutworms and loopers chew leaves (Utah State, Clemson). Row covers keep flea beetles off (Utah State).
Common diseases
Downy mildew
The main spinach disease, worst in humid weather and crowded plants. Space plants at least 15 cm (6 in), water the base, rotate, and grow resistant varieties (RHS, Gardeners’ World).
White rust
One of the main spinach leaf diseases along with downy mildew (Clemson).
Blight (cucumber mosaic virus)
Yellowing, stunting and early death. Grow resistant varieties (Illinois).
Harvest & Use
Pick outer leaves as you need them, or cut the whole plant and let it regrow.
Harvesting spinach
Baby leaves are ready about a month after sowing, mature leaves in about two months (RHS); Clemson gives 37 to 45 days.
Pick a few at a time. Take outer leaves 7.5 to 15 cm (3 to 6 in) long from each plant, letting the young centre leaves grow on, and repeat every few weeks (RHS, Clemson). Wait for a rosette of at least five or six leaves (Illinois).
Or cut and come again. Cut the whole plant 5 cm (2 in) above the soil without damaging the growing point; well-rooted plants regrow at least once more (RHS, Utah State).
When it bolts, harvest everything that’s left: leaves deteriorate quickly once flowering starts (Illinois).
Pick generously for cooking: leaves shrink a lot (RHS).
- Baby leaves in about 4 weeks.
- Outer leaves first.
- Clear the crop when it bolts.
Storing and using spinach
Spinach is best eaten fresh (Gardeners’ World).
Fridge. Rinse, dry with a salad spinner or paper towel, and keep in a plastic bag (Clemson). It lasts one to three weeks at close to 0 °C (32 °F) in high humidity (Utah State, UMD).
Freezing. Gardeners’ World freezes leaves for soups and omelettes without blanching.
Using. Young leaves raw in salads; larger leaves briefly steamed, sautéed or wilted into sauces, soups and risottos. Add to stews at the end (RHS).
More to Explore
Quick answers, guides that pair well with spinach, and the sources behind this one.
Frequently asked questions
Why does my spinach keep bolting?
Long days, heat and dry soil. Sow in spring and late summer and keep it watered. See common problems.
When should I sow spinach?
In the UK, mid- to late spring, and hardy varieties in late summer to early autumn; in the US, from a few weeks before the last frost. See when to sow.
Can spinach grow in shade?
Yes, light shade with four to six hours of sun suits it, especially in summer.
How long does spinach take to grow?
Baby leaves in about a month; mature leaves in about two.
Will spinach grow back after cutting?
Yes, cut 5 cm (2 in) above the soil and it usually regrows at least once. See harvesting.
Can I grow spinach over winter?
Hardy varieties sown in late summer, covered from October unless your winters are mild. See overwintering.
Can I grow spinach in pots?
Yes, in a container at least 30 cm (1 ft) wide and deep, kept moist. See containers.
How far apart should spinach be?
Thin to about 15 cm (6 in) for full-size plants. See thinning.
Related guides
Sources
- How to grow spinach (opens in a new tab) Royal Horticultural Society
- Spinach (opens in a new tab) University of Illinois Extension
- Spinach in the garden (opens in a new tab) Utah State University Extension
- Growing spinach in a home garden (opens in a new tab) University of Maryland Extension
- Spinach (opens in a new tab) Clemson Cooperative Extension
- How to grow spinach (opens in a new tab) BBC Gardeners’ World