Spinach should be kept evenly watered to ensure good growth. Feed regularily with compost tea or fish emulsion every 10 days or so. When plants are established, mulch to keep moisture levels consistent and to deter weeds.
Spinach seeds germinate at relatively low temperatures, so germination does not require greenhousing or heated environments.
Try to aim for a seed spacing of at least 3.12 inches (8.0 cm) and sow at a depth of around 0.49 inches (1.25 cm). For optimal germination, soil temperature should be a minimum of 8°C / 46°F.By our calculations*, you should look at sowing Spinach about 60 days before your last frost date .
Spinach doesn’t tend to like being transplanted as seedlings, so sow spinach seeds directly into the ground as soon as the ground can be worked.
For a continuous harvest, try to plant every 2 – 3 weeks. Thin spinach seedlings when they are about 4 inches (10 cm) tall to prevent overcrowding (you can use the cut seedlings in salads).
Spinach is half hardy, so ensure you wait until all danger of frost has passed in your area before considering planting outside - as a guideline, the minimum temperature outside should be approximately 0°C / 32°F.Harvest spinach leaves as you require them from the outside of the plant – or harvest entire plants when they reach maturity.
These estimates for how long Spinach takes to sprout, grow and harvest are from real observations from real gardeners, right around the world.
Average 9 days | Min 2 days | Max 26 days (718)
Average 22 days | Min 3 days | Max 57 days (37)
Average 41 days | Min 13 days | Max 87 days (32)
Our when to plant Spinach estimates are relative to your last frost date.
Spinach perpetual
Misspellings: Spinacea oleracea, Spinacia oleria