Spinach illustration 🍃

Spinach Growing Guide

Chenopodiaceae family

Days to Harvest40 days
SunlightPart Sun / Part Shade
Frost ToleranceHeavy
Spacing9/sqft (4" apart)
Germination6-14 days
HardinessVery Hardy
Germ. Temp60°F
Start Indoors6 weeks before last frost

Companion Planting

CauliflowerCabbageBeansStrawberries

Growth Stages

  1. Seedling
  2. Early Vegetative
  3. Late Vegetative / Harvest Ready

Planting Dates by Zone

ZoneStart IndoorsTransplantDirect SowHarvest
Zone 1aApr 13Apr 27Apr 13Jun 6
Zone 1bApr 13Apr 27Apr 13Jun 6
Zone 2aApr 3Apr 17Apr 3May 27
Zone 2bApr 13Apr 27Apr 13Jun 6
Zone 3aApr 10Apr 24Apr 10Jun 3
Zone 3bApr 3Apr 17Apr 3May 27
Zone 4aMar 24Apr 7Mar 24May 17
Zone 4bMar 20Apr 3Mar 20May 13
Zone 5aMar 17Mar 31Mar 17May 10
Zone 5bMar 17Mar 31Mar 17May 10
Zone 6aMar 17Mar 31Mar 17May 10
Zone 6bMar 4Mar 18Mar 4Apr 27
Zone 7aMar 4Mar 18Mar 4Apr 27
Zone 7bFeb 27Mar 13Feb 27Apr 22
Zone 8aFeb 22Mar 8Feb 22Apr 17
Zone 8bFeb 8Feb 22Feb 8Apr 3
Zone 9aFeb 6Feb 20Feb 6Apr 1
Zone 9bJan 27Feb 10Jan 27Mar 22
Zone 10aJan 9Jan 23Jan 9Mar 4
Zone 10bDec 17Dec 31Dec 17Feb 9
Zone 11aDec 17Dec 31Dec 17Feb 9
Zone 11bDec 4Dec 18Dec 4Jan 27
Zone 12aNov 20Dec 4Nov 20Jan 13
Zone 12bNov 20Dec 4Nov 20Jan 13
Zone 13aNov 20Dec 4Nov 20Jan 13
Zone 13bNov 20Dec 4Nov 20Jan 13

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does it take to grow Spinach?

Spinach takes approximately 40 days from planting to harvest.

How much sun does Spinach need?

Spinach requires part sun / part shade.

How far apart should I plant Spinach?

Plant Spinach at 9/sqft (4" apart) using square foot gardening spacing.

Can Spinach survive frost?

Spinach is tolerant of heavy frost and can withstand freezing temperatures.

What are good companion plants for Spinach?

Good companion plants for Spinach include Cauliflower, Cabbage, Beans, Strawberries.

How long does Spinach take to germinate?

Spinach seeds germinate in 6-14 days at an optimal temperature of 60°F.

When should I start Spinach seeds indoors?

Start Spinach seeds indoors 6 weeks before your last frost date, then transplant -4 weeks after last frost.

Growing Tips

Common Pests & Diseases

Harvest Notes

Harvest outer leaves at any size, or cut whole rosettes at the base. Pick before flower stalks appear. Best eaten fresh or lightly cooked.

Plan Your Spinach Garden

Track Spinach from seed to harvest with personalized frost dates, watering recommendations, and companion planting visualization.

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