How to grow Spinach

Spinacia oleracea

Fast, cold-hardy greens for spring & fall.

Spinach is a cold-season sprinter that bolts in heat and long days. Sow it early spring and again in late summer for fall; in mild areas it overwinters for a super-early spring cut.

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Spinach at a glance

Sun	Sun / part shade
Soil pH	6.5–7.5
Spacing	4 in
Harvest	40–50 days
Plant	Spring & fall
Note	Bolts in heat

How to grow Spinach, step by step

Sow cool
- Direct-sow as soon as soil can be worked, and again in late summer for fall.
- Heat makes it bolt — skip midsummer sowings.
Keep moist
- Even water and rich soil grow tender, fast leaves.
- A little afternoon shade extends the season.
Cut & come again
- Pick outer leaves and the plant keeps giving.
- Harvest the whole plant once it starts to send up a flower stalk.

Spinach problems & fixes

Spinach — Plants shoot up and flower: what's wrong and how do I fix it?

Heat and long days cause bolting. Grow in spring/fall and pick young.

Spinach — Yellow leaves: what's wrong and how do I fix it?

Often hungry or waterlogged. Feed nitrogen; improve drainage.

Spinach — Pale tunnels in leaves: what's wrong and how do I fix it?

Leaf miners. Remove affected leaves; cover with row fabric.

Recommended spinach varieties

Bloomsdale — All-rounder. Crinkled, flavorful, the classic.
Space — Smooth / slow-bolt. Smooth leaves; slower to bolt.
Winter Giant — Overwinter. Sow in fall for an early spring cut.

Spinach month-by-month

January	Off-season / overwintering.
February	Sow as soon as workable.
March	First spring sowings grow fast.
April	Harvest spring leaves.
May	Last cuts before heat bolts it.
June	Too hot — rest the bed.
July	Too hot — plan fall sowing.
August	Sow for fall.
September	Fall leaves grow in cool air.
October	Fall harvest — sweet and tender.
November	Overwinter under cover in mild areas.
December	Off-season.

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