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

Your comments and tips

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16 May 08, Liz (Unknown climate)
Have you tried soaking in a saucer of water for 24 hours? You may find that the hard coat will soften enough to encourage germination.
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14 May 08, Janette Jenyns (Unknown climate)
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.
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01 May 08, Noelene Smith (Unknown climate)
I have success with this seed. I keep it damp and protected. In the middle of a group of plants I just sprinkle seed. then transplant it before it get over 10-15 cm. Snails are the worst enemy of new shoots so you will have to protect the seed as they shoot.
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20 Apr 08, Lynton Wright (Unknown climate)
I Find Spinach the most Difficult vegetable to grow. That is to strike
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I have a few mature (about 6 months old) spinach plants in my garden that have grown quite large. The leaves have started to get curly. What causes this? Now that the plants are larger they are a bit crowded, could this be the cause? Is it because summer is coming on and they are getting more sun? Not enough fertiliser/food???? Please help.

- Donna

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