How to Grow Spinach

Have you ever wondered how to grow spinach at home, or maybe you’ve tried it before but the results didn’t turn out as expected? Don’t worry—you’re not alone. Spinach can be easy and fun to grow. 

With the right tips and care you can grow a healthy green patch of this superfood in no time.

Consider this guide a shortcut to spinach mastery, from soil conditions to harvesting tips. We’ll even get rid of some myths along the way.

How Does Spinach Grow

Spinach can be grown from seeds or transplants, but seeds are the most common choice. The plant likes rich, well-draining soil and benefits from consistent moisture to encourage healthy growth. 

Let’s discuss the life cycle of the great green. Those who are more knowledgeable in the art of gardening know that spinach is a cool-weather green—I didn’t know, I thought most vegetables were summer veggies, however, I am slowly learning through trial and error.

 

Spinach Growing Stages

Moreover, spinach grows in 5 stages:

• Germination
• Seedling
• Vegetative Growth
• Harvest
• And Bolting

Note: if conditions aren’t ideal, bolting will begin sooner (we’ll cover more on this below). 

Let me give you a simple guide to the 5 stages of a Spinach Life Cycle:

1. The Seed Stage: Tiny but Mighty

Spinach seeds are tiny and wrinkly, but full of potential. Plant them in cool soil about 50-75℉ and they will germinate in about 5-10 days. The first leaves pop out these are called cotyledons, they will look different from the original spinach leaves during this stage keep the soil damp but not waterlogged. 

Pro Tip: Spinach seeds are known for their slow germination taking between 7-14 days. Soaking them for 12-24 hours can help the germination process. 

2. The Seedling Stage

After 10-14 days of germination. The seedlings focus on the root and the growth of their first real leaves. This stage is all about taking in the sunlight and nutrients to build its foundation. 

During this stage, the plants need at least 6 hours of sunlight. You can also start thinning your seedlings 3-4 inches apart to avoid overcrowding. 

Keep in mind, not enough water or sunlight can stunt the spinach growth. 

3. The Growth Spurt (Vegetative Growth)

15-30 days later… In this stage, the real leaves start to grow, and the plant gets busy photosynthesizing. 

This is the stage in which the plant will continue its growth through consistent watering, soil filled with nutrients (you can start lightly adding fertilizer or compost), and temperatures between 60-75℉.

Note: Spinach growth will slow down if temperatures get too hot or there is not enough water. Too much stress causes the plant to bolt faster in the effort to “finish growing” before temperatures get too hot. 

Some spinach types are more heat resistant; therefore, being bolting resistant.

4. The Harvest Window

Depending on the variety, spinach will be ready to harvest within 30-50 days. Younger leaves are tender and sweet, while older leaves have more flavor. 

Tip: You can cut outer leaves for a continuous harvest. Baby leaves can be cut as early as 25 days, they should be around 3-4 inches long. 

5. Bolting

Lastly, bolting happens when spinach grows a flower stalk, this is the sign of the end of its leafy days. Bolting is usually triggered by heat, long days, or stress— (spinach really hates stress). The timing varies, often after 40-50 days. 

Once it bolts the leaves turn bitter, this means the plant has shifted its focus from producing leaves to flowering and seed production. 

Once it starts bolting you’ll see:

• A tall central stalk forming
• Flower buds will start appearing at the top of the stalk.
• And leaves become smaller, tougher, and more bitter. 

After flowering, the seeds will form, and you can harvest them when they turn brown and dry. 

Here is a step-by-step guide to saving spinach seeds for future planting. 

1. Let the plant fully bolt
1. Allow the spinach to grow tall and flower. Later you’ll start noticing tiny yellow or green flowers along the stalks.
   
   
2. Wait for Seed Pods to Form
1. After flowering, the seeds will develop inside small pods. These pods will start green and eventually turn brown and dry as they mature.
   
   
3. Harvest the Seeds 
1. Once the pods are dry (they’ll feel crispy), cut the entire stalk and place it in a paper bag to catch any loose seeds.
   
   
4. Separate the Seeds
1. Gently crush the dried pods to release the seeds. You can use your hands or a small rolling pin. Then use a sieve to separate the seeds from the chaff.
   
   
5. Dry the Seeds
1. Allow the seed stalks to dry for about 1-2 wells in a well-ventilated space. This will prevent mold from growing on them. 

6. Store Properly
1. Finally, store seeds in a cool, dry place in an airtight container. Label with the variety and harvest date. Spinach seeds typically remain useful for 3-5 years.

Tip: Spinach is wind-pollinated, so if you’re growing multiple varieties, separate them by at least 10 feet to avoid cross-pollination.

A full cycle will take around 30-60 days in total.

• For baby spinach: 25-30 days from sowing to harvest.
• For mature spinach: 40-50 days to reach full size before bolting begins.
• If left to go to seed: Add another 20-30 days for flowering and seed development after bolting. 

Likewise, if you want fresh spinach, sow new seeds every 2-3 weeks rather than everything at once during the growing season. 

This technique will allow you to have a continuous batch of fresh spinach throughout the growing season instead of a single large harvest. 

 

When to Harvest Spinach

Spinach leaves can be harvested as soon as they’re large—usually 4–6 weeks after planting. Baby spinach leaves are tender and great for salads, while larger leaves are great for cooking.

Harvesting regularly encourages the plant to produce more leaves, this comes in handy— it’s like having an almost never-ending supply of spinach. 

Use scissors or pinch off leaves near the base, leaving the center intact, and allowing new leaves to grow. Don’t wait too long, as bolted spinach becomes tough and bitter.

If you are new to this, no worries spinach is one of the easiest crops to harvest once you know what to look for. Here is what to look for:

1. Size of the leaves:
1. Baby spinach leaves are about 3-4 inches long, these are great for salads.
2. Mature spinach leaves are about 6-10 inches long, depending on the variety. These have a stronger flavor and are great for cooking.
   
   
2. Leaf Shape and Appearance:
1. Healthy spinach leaves should be fully formed, smooth, and green.
2. Don't harvest yellowing or browning leaves as these are past their time.
   
   
3. Plant Growth Stage
1. Baby spinach is typically ready within 25-30 days after planting. 
2. Mature spinach takes about 40-50 days after planting. 
3. Plants should have at least 6-8 leaves before harvesting for the best yield.
   
   
4. Bolting Warning
1. If you notice a tall central stalk forming, your spinach is starting to bolt. In this case harvest immediately, as leaves can turn bitter after the bolting begins. 

Extra tips:

• Morning harvest is always best; the leaves are crispest and most hydrated. 
• Handle spinach gently as these bruise easily. 
• Eat or properly store them quickly. Spinach wilts fast, use it fresh or sore in the fridge in a damp paper tower for about 3-5 days. 

 

Spinach Sun Requirements

Spinach grows best with around 4-6 hours of sunlight daily. However, in hot climates, partial shade during the afternoon will help prevent overheating and bolting. 

If you’re growing spinach in a cooler climate zone, direct sunlight for more than 6 hours can be tolerated. 

For this reason, spring and fall are spinach’s best times because of the balance in temperature and sunlight moderation. 

At the same time, shading can be used during heat waves to keep the plant from the direct hot sunlight. 

Let’s talk about 4 common myths:

1. Spinach needs full sun all day.
1. Too much sunlight in warm weather can stress the plant, leading to bolting and leaf burn. So partial shade comes in handy, or an early morning sun to keep your spinach happy.
   
   
2. Spinach won’t grow without constant sun
1. Spinach is adaptable, it can grow in partial shade or in spots with dappled sunlight, especially in warmer regions. However, growth can become slower, and leaves might be smaller.
   
   
3. You can’t grow spinach indoors without direct sun
1. Spinach grows well indoors under grow lights. Give them 12-14 hours of light daily, and you can enjoy fresh spinach year-round, even in winter.—incredible isn’t it?
   
   
4. Sunlight doesn’t matter if you water enough
1. Spinach needs sunlight for photosynthesis, and water alone can’t sustain its growth.  Did you know that overwatering in hot weather can even harm spinach, leading to root rot or fungal issues? 
   
   

So in short, here are 3 quick tips for managing sunlight

1. Choose the right spot: 
1. for cooler climates, plant spinach in a spot that gets full sun. 
2. In warmer climates, use partial shading (use the shade from your house, taller plants, or cloth shades). 

2. Plant Seasonally
1. Avoid mid-summer planting unless you’re planting indoors with the use of grow lights or using a bolt-resistant variety while providing shade.
   
   
3. Observe and Adjust
1. If leaves look wilted or stressed, give them shade. If growth seems slow and leaves are pale, give them more sunlight. 

 

How Much Water Does Spinach Need

Similarly, spinach likes consistent moist (not waterlogged) soil. Too much water will bring root rot or fungus issues. Balancing the art of watering will you a healthy green spinach that will be perfect for salads, sautees, or smoothies. 

Water requirements go from 1 to 1.5 inches of water per week (you should plan for rainfall too). Also. water 2-3 times per week during normal weather, in hotter weather, you may need to water daily or use a mulch later to retain moisture. 

Spinach roots are shallow (6-12 inches). Your focus should be on watering the roots thoroughly so that roots keep on growing into the soil making the plant stronger. 

The best time to water is in the morning, to give the plant enough time to absorb the moisture before the heat of the day. Avoid watering in the evening to reduce the risk of fungal diseases. 

Common watering myths:

1. Spinach doesn’t need much water
   1. Spinach is a thirsty plant, not enough water stresses the plant, leading to smaller leaves, slower growth, and a higher chance of bolting.
2. Watering daily is always best
   1. Overwatering can lead to soggy soil, root rot, and nutrient leaching (meaning the plant won’t get any of those nutrients unless the roots grow deeper). A good option is watering the roots (as mentioned above).
3. You don’t need water if it rains
   1. Light rain often doesn’t penetrate deep enough to reach the roots. If rainfall is less than 1 inch per week, you’ll need to water those plants.
4. Drooping leaves always mean the plant needs water
   1. Drooping can also mean overwatering or heat stress. Check the soil moisture level before adding water.
5. Spinach needs wet soil at all times
   1. Spinach does like moist soil but needs airflow around its roots. Again, overly wet soil creates the perfect condition for fungal diseases.

 

Quick re-cap on what to do:

1. Mulch it up: Apply 1-2 inches of mulch (straw or shredded leaves) to keep soil cool, reduce evaporation, and prevent weeds.
2. Test the soil: If the first inch of soil is dry, it’s time to water.
3. Improve drainage: If water pools on the surface, change the soil with compost or grow spinach in raised beds.
4. Adjust for climate: In dry, windy areas,  you might need to water more often, In humid climates, be careful not to overwater.

 

When Do You Plant Spinach

The prime planting time for spinach will be spring, fall, and maybe winter in mild climate zones or under protection like indoors, for example. 

If planting during spring, sow seeds as soon as the soil can be worked, usually 4-6 weeks before the last frost. This will help the seed germinate before the summer heat arrives. 

For fall planting, sow seeds 6-8 weeks before the first expected frost. Fall’s cool days are perfect for spinach, many varieties can even survive light frosts. 

As for winter planting, you can sow seeds in late fall for winter harvesting in zones where the frosts are minimal. Keep in mind that you could also use the help of cold frames, greenhouses, and indoor planting. 

Spinach grows slower during winter but will stay fresh, making it one of the few greens available in winter. 

As mentioned earlier, another option for planting is to stagger your planting. This will allow you to avoid overcrowding, have a continuous harvest, and help take advantage of the growing season. 

How to Stagger Spinach Plantings

1. Plan the timing:
1. Start the first planting as soon as the soil temperature is at least 40-50℉ 
2. Sow additional seeds every 2-3 weeks during the cool season
3. For fall planting, sow seeds 6-8 weeks before your first expected frost.
   
   
2. Divide Your Growing Area:
   1. Week 1: Row 1
   2. Week 3: Row 2 
   3. Week 5: Row 3
1. Dedicate sections for different planting times on your raised bed, garden, container, etc.
2. For example:
3. Track Growth:
1. Use markers or labels to remember when each row was planted. A garden journal or calendar can help keep things organized. 
   
   

Below is an example of a staggered planting schedule to follow.

But how do you know it's the right time to pant? Use a thermometer, the soil temperature should be between 40-75℉, and you are good to go!

Can You Grow Spinach Indoors

Yes! The cool thing about spinach is that it grows well indoors with the right setup. You can use a wide container with drainage holes with about 6-8 inches deep to have enough space for the roots. Make sure there is enough space between plants at least 3-4 inches apart for good airflow and growth. 

Furthermore, the soil is another big component of a healthy plant so make sure you get light well-draining, and nutrient-rich potting soil. You can also mix in some compost to your soil for added nutrients. You could also use a companion plant to help your spinach grow. This way both plants can benefit each other and grow even healthier. Keep the plant moist but not soggy.

Place your container near a sunny window or use grow lights to make sure they get at least 4-6 hours of light (more if possible). Rotate the containers for even growth as they can lean toward light sources. 

The temperature should be about 60-75℉, don’t place plants near vents or hot areas. Indoor air can be dry so you can help the plant by placing a tray of water near the plant to create some humidity.

To make it easier here is a checklist for you to follow:

1. Sow seeds: 
1. Plant seeds ½ inch deep in the soil and cover lightly
2. Space seeds 2-3 inches apart, or thin seedlings later.
2. Germination:
1. Keep the soil moist and keep a temperature of 50-75℉ for best germination. 
2. Spinach seeds should sprout in 5-10 days.
3. Thinning:
1. Once the seedlings develop 2-3 real leaves, thin (separate) them to one plant every 3-4 inches.
4. Fertilizing
1. Feed with diluted, balanced fertilizer every 2-3 weeks.
2. Organic options like seaweed extract works well when the plant is going through drought stress. 
5. Harvest:
1. Begin to harvest baby leaves when they are 3-4 inches tall, usually 25-30 days after planting. 
2. Wait until the plants are 40-50 days old for mature leaves.
   
   

What’s more, this is a great option for beginners as you have to worry less about the weather and pests, giving you the advantage of having fresh spinach throughout the year. 

Spinach Garden

Did you know that summer spinach isn’t real spinach? This summer “spinach” is called Malabar Spinach which is unrelated to spinach, but it looks and tastes like spinach, and most importantly it grows during the hot months of summer. 

Growing spinach is one of the easiest vegetables to grow as a beginner or a fun project with kids. If planting in a garden space use rows that are about 12-18 inches apart. 

Spacing between plants should be around 2-4 inches.—Baby spinach can be as close as 2 inches, however, for larger mature leaves 4 inches would be best to allow airflow and enough space for growth. 

Mulching your plants will help keep moisture in check. Remember watering the roots for about 10 minutes every other day (or when needed) is a better option than watering the top surface of the plant every day. 

Nevertheless, is all about finding a balance between, watering, sunlight, and temperature. Keeping a journal will help you keep track of everything you do and see what works best for you.

Planning Your Garden

Is planting spinach worth it? Well, spinach grows quickly, so it can be rewarding for beginners, and it doesn’t have to be scary, with the right tips and knowledge you’ll become an expert in no time. 

There are several spinach varieties, these come in several types, they are different in growing habits, climate adaptability, flavor, and even in sweetness or bitterness—I think it’s worth experimenting to find which one grows best in your climate zone.

Every garden is different so every planting experience will be too. Take notes and give gardening a chance to blow your mind. 

What’s your best tip for keeping spinach healthy? Drop it in the comments!