A fast cool-season leafy green with tender, nutritious dark leaves for salads and cooking. Best sown in autumn and winter, as it bolts to seed quickly in warm weather.
At a glance
- Plant type: Edible plant
- Mature size: 30 cm H × 20 cm W
- Aspect: full sun and part shade or morning sun
- Water: regular, moderate watering
- Frost: hardy
- Maintenance: low maintenance
- Origin: Exotic
About Spinach
Spinacia oleracea is an fast-growing edible plant in the Amaranthaceae family. It reaches around 30 cm tall and 20 cm wide at maturity.
Where to grow Spinach
Spinach suits warm-temperate and cool-temperate climates and grows best in full sun and part shade or morning sun. It is frost hardy and shrugs off cold winters.
Soil & planting
Spinach does best in loamy and free-draining soil. Dig in plenty of compost before planting, water in well, and mulch to keep roots cool.
Watering & feeding
Spinach is regular, moderate watering. Feed regularly through the growing season for the best crop. In its first year, water deeply once or twice a week to settle the roots in, then taper off as it establishes.
Pruning & care
Tip-prune Spinach in spring to maintain a dense, shapely habit. Overall it is low maintenance.
Using Spinach in the garden
Spinach earns its place for edible harvests and pots and courtyard containers. It is equally at home in the ground or a large pot on a balcony or courtyard.
Companion planting & design
For a cohesive, low-care bed, pair Spinach with other plants that enjoy the same regular, moderate watering and warm-temperate climate. Group three or five together for impact rather than dotting single plants through the garden.
Good to know
It is regarded as non-toxic and pet-safe.
Buying Spinach
Plant Sale lists Spinach as seed. Stock isn't live yet — register your interest using the panel above and we'll email you the moment it is available.
Prefer to grow it yourself? See the Spinach seed sowing guide for depth, timing and germination.