Native to central and western Asia and is about 2,000 years old. Spinach is a leafy vegetable grown since ancient times and produces rosettes of leaves. Member of the Amaranthaceous family. Spinach is a cold weather crop that prefers cool temperatures and withstands repeated frosts. Some varieties can even overwinter depending on the variety. This annual is usually harvested in early spring and late fall, and is in grocery stores all over the world.
Plant and go
Botanical Name: Spniacia Oleracea
| Depth: 1/2" | Space: 3-4" | Row: 12-18" | Temperature: 50-60F |
| Soil: Well drained/moist | Harvest: 20-30 days | Germination: 7-10 days | Water: 1.1.5in |
| Fertilizer: 15-10-10 | Fertilize Freq: 2-3 wks | Sun: Full/4-6 hours | pH: 6.5-8. |
| Container: 8x10" |
Details
Spinach prefers 6 weeks of cool weather from seed to harvest. Seeds can be sown in ground with a temperature of 40F and above and can tolerate temperatures 15-20F. Sow ½ inch deep in bunches of 3-4 seeds. Space 3-4 inches in rows 12-18 inches, remember spinach likes temperatures of 50-60F. Germination takes about 7-10 days, warmer temps may extend the germination process. Spinach does not like to be transplanted. It’s best to direct sow or start in a container and move outside when temps are right. Pick a spot that provides full sun for 4-6 hours a day at a minimum. Watering is very important to spinach especially if you are growing it in a container. Keep soil moist and well drained, avoid soggy conditions. Try not to let soil dry out, plants will bolt if soil is too dry. Thin seedlings when they are 2-3 inches tall. Recommended fertilizer formula is 15-10-10 every 2 weeks, avoid getting fertilizer on the leaves. Spinach averages 6 weeks to grow and remember to water.
Harvest
Once the 6-week point is reached the plants are usually mature and ready to harvest. unless you want baby spinach, it will be ready in around 20-30 days. If you decide to wait for the plant to mature, then you’ll know they’re ready when the leaves are 6 inches tall. Start with the outside leaves when harvesting. Pinch or use scissors to cut the individual stem. Only harvest 1/3 at a time.
Tip
-A week before sowing soak spinach leaves in room temp water for 24 hours
-Let seeds sit in water for 15 minutes. If the seeds sink, they are good. If they float seeds may not germinate
Fun Fact
Peter Davekos of Boston holds the record for speed eating 7 ½ pounds of spinach in 5 minutes.
Conclusion
Spinach can be a trick plant to take care of if the soil moisture isn’t just right. Other than that, it’s easy to grow and keeps producing up to 3-4 more times while being harvested. Try using a container to grow your next spinach crop, you might be surprised to see that it’s a rewarding experience. Spinach is grown around the world and used in many dishes, and is very health.