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Spinach Growing Guide
Chenopodiaceae family
Companion Planting
Growth Stages
- Seedling
- Early Vegetative
- Late Vegetative / Harvest Ready
Planting Dates by Zone
| Zone | Start Indoors | Transplant | Direct Sow | Harvest |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Zone 1a | Apr 13 | Apr 27 | Apr 13 | Jun 6 |
| Zone 1b | Apr 13 | Apr 27 | Apr 13 | Jun 6 |
| Zone 2a | Apr 3 | Apr 17 | Apr 3 | May 27 |
| Zone 2b | Apr 13 | Apr 27 | Apr 13 | Jun 6 |
| Zone 3a | Apr 10 | Apr 24 | Apr 10 | Jun 3 |
| Zone 3b | Apr 3 | Apr 17 | Apr 3 | May 27 |
| Zone 4a | Mar 24 | Apr 7 | Mar 24 | May 17 |
| Zone 4b | Mar 20 | Apr 3 | Mar 20 | May 13 |
| Zone 5a | Mar 17 | Mar 31 | Mar 17 | May 10 |
| Zone 5b | Mar 17 | Mar 31 | Mar 17 | May 10 |
| Zone 6a | Mar 17 | Mar 31 | Mar 17 | May 10 |
| Zone 6b | Mar 4 | Mar 18 | Mar 4 | Apr 27 |
| Zone 7a | Mar 4 | Mar 18 | Mar 4 | Apr 27 |
| Zone 7b | Feb 27 | Mar 13 | Feb 27 | Apr 22 |
| Zone 8a | Feb 22 | Mar 8 | Feb 22 | Apr 17 |
| Zone 8b | Feb 8 | Feb 22 | Feb 8 | Apr 3 |
| Zone 9a | Feb 6 | Feb 20 | Feb 6 | Apr 1 |
| Zone 9b | Jan 27 | Feb 10 | Jan 27 | Mar 22 |
| Zone 10a | Jan 9 | Jan 23 | Jan 9 | Mar 4 |
| Zone 10b | Dec 17 | Dec 31 | Dec 17 | Feb 9 |
| Zone 11a | Dec 17 | Dec 31 | Dec 17 | Feb 9 |
| Zone 11b | Dec 4 | Dec 18 | Dec 4 | Jan 27 |
| Zone 12a | Nov 20 | Dec 4 | Nov 20 | Jan 13 |
| Zone 12b | Nov 20 | Dec 4 | Nov 20 | Jan 13 |
| Zone 13a | Nov 20 | Dec 4 | Nov 20 | Jan 13 |
| Zone 13b | Nov 20 | Dec 4 | Nov 20 | Jan 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
- Sow as early as soil can be worked; tolerates light frost
- Provide afternoon shade in warming weather to extend harvest
- Succession-sow every 2 weeks for continuous supply
Common Pests & Diseases
- Leaf miners
- Downy mildew
- Aphids
- Bolting in heat
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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