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Spinach

Spinacia oleracea

VegetablesFrost Hardy

Nutrient-rich leafy green that thrives in cool weather. Bolts quickly in heat, so sow in early spring or late summer.

Overview

SunPartial Shade
WaterMediumCalculate watering amount
Height15–30 cm
Spread20 cm
Spacing15 cm
Row Spacing30 cm
Germination7–14 days
To Harvest35–50 days

Companion Planting

Bad Companions

None

Toxicity

SeverityNon-toxic

Spinach is not toxic but contains oxalates which, in very large quantities, can contribute to kidney stone formation in humans and urinary crystals in dogs and cats; feed to pets only in moderation.

Planting Tips

LocationFull sun to partial shade; prefers cooler temperatures and bolts in heat, so provide afternoon shade in warm climates.
SoilMoist, fertile, well-drained soil rich in organic matter with a pH of 6.0-7.0; work 5-10 cm of compost into the topsoil before planting.
Sowing Depth1.5 cm
Planting Depth3 cm
WateringKeep soil consistently moist with 2.5-5 cm of water per week in 2-3 shallow applications; avoid waterlogging.

1 cm of water per m² equals 10 liters. Use the Watering Calculator for exact amounts.

FertilizingMix a nitrogen-rich fertilizer into the soil before planting and side-dress with a high-nitrogen fertilizer 3-4 weeks after planting.

Care Tip: Mulch to conserve moisture and suppress weeds; sow successively every 2-3 weeks for a continuous harvest.

Common Pests

Aphids

Symptoms: Colonies on leaf undersides cause curling, puckering, yellowing, and sticky honeydew deposits.

Treatment: Blast off with a strong water spray; follow up with insecticidal soap or neem oil applied at dusk.

Prevention: Rotate planting locations yearly and plant companion flowers like marigolds or dill to attract beneficial predatory insects.

Leaf Miners

Symptoms: Meandering silvery-tan trails on leaf surfaces and small bumps on undersides where larvae feed inside the leaf tissue.

Treatment: Remove and destroy infested leaves promptly; contact insecticides are ineffective since larvae feed inside the leaf.

Prevention: Use floating row covers immediately after planting to prevent adult flies from laying eggs on leaves.

Slugs and Snails

Symptoms: Large irregular holes in leaves and visible slimy trails, primarily overnight damage.

Treatment: Handpick at night or set beer traps at soil level; apply diatomaceous earth or copper tape barriers around plants.

Prevention: Water at soil level in the morning, remove garden debris, and ensure good air circulation around plants.

Common Diseases

Downy Mildew

Symptoms: Yellow spots on upper leaf surfaces with white-to-gray fuzzy fungal growth on undersides; leaves eventually die.

Treatment: Remove and destroy infected plants immediately; apply copper-based fungicides as a preventive measure.

Prevention: Avoid overhead watering, provide adequate plant spacing for air circulation, and select resistant cultivars.

Fusarium Wilt

Symptoms: Wilting, yellowing leaves, and stunted growth; dark discoloration visible in vascular tissue when roots are cut lengthwise.

Treatment: No effective treatment once infected; remove and destroy affected plants to limit soil contamination.

Prevention: Practice 4-6 year crop rotation, use resistant cultivars, and avoid planting in poorly drained or acidic soils.

White Rust

Symptoms: Yellow lesions on upper leaf surfaces with white blister-like pustules in concentric rings on undersides; severe infections cause plant collapse.

Treatment: Apply systemic fungicides at planting time; remove and deeply bury infected plant residue.

Prevention: Use a 3-year crop rotation, select resistant varieties, and avoid prolonged leaf wetness from overhead irrigation.