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 a 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. Plant into well-prepared ground, firm the soil around the roots and water deeply to settle it in.
Watering & feeding
Spinach does best with regular, moderate watering. Feed regularly through the growing season for the best crop. Check moisture below the mulch during establishment and water thoroughly when needed rather than following a rigid schedule.
Pruning & care
Tip-prune Spinach in spring to maintain a dense, shapely habit. Its ongoing care level 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
Build the planting around neighbours suited to the same regular, moderate watering and warm-temperate climate as Spinach. Repeating the foliage or flower colour nearby will make the composition feel deliberate.
Good to know
It is regarded as non-toxic and pet-safe.
Buying Spinach
Plant Sale lists Spinach as seed. Use the interest form above to check current sizes, pricing and availability before ordering.
Prefer to grow it yourself? See the Spinach seed sowing guide for depth, timing and germination.
