Spinacia

( spi -NAY - shee - uh )

At-A-Glance Information

The genus Spinacia includes herbaceous plants that form basal tufts of foliage and flowering stems topped with yellow to yellow-green flowers. They are annual or biennial plants and include the widely cultivated crop known as Spinach (Spinacia oleracea). Grow Spinacia plants as members of vegetable gardens or use them in wildlife or pollinator gardens. They can also be grown as microgreens.

Spinacia Species and Varietals

The genus Spinacia is a member of the plant family Amaranthaceae, and includes just three species. The plants in this genus are related to those in Atriplex (Saltbush), Chenopodium (Goosefoot), and Dysphania (Epazote). The best growing zones for Spinach plants vary depending on the species grown. For more information, see the species descriptions below. To find your zone, click here: Zone Map.

Spinacia oleracea (Spinach, Esfenaj, اسفناج, Palak, پالک, Horenso, Espinaca)
These leafy green flowering plants are native to a region that spans from Iran through central Asia to western Pakistan, and are commonly cultivated as vegetables to be consumed fresh or cooked. These annuals reach up to a foot tall, and can overwinter in some temperate regions. Flowers are inconspicuous and yellow-green.

Caring for Spinacia

Plant your Spinacia, or Spinach, in a spot in the garden that receives full sun to partial shade. These plants require between 4 and 6 hours of direct sun each day for best growth and production. Afternoon shade when temperatures rise above 75 degrees Fahrenheit will prevent plants from bolting. These plants prefer rich soil amended with organic material or compost, and which has a pH of between 6.0 and 7.0. Ensure that soil is well-draining before planting to avoid issues with root rot or overwatering. If local soils are particularly poor in nutrients or do not drain well, make sure to amend the planting area with plenty of organic compost before installing. Mulch around the base of the plant to help retain soil moisture, suppress weed growth, and regulate soil temperatures. Keep the soil consistently moist, but not waterlogged as these plants establish themselves in the landscape. At maturity, they appreciate consistently moist but not waterlogged soils. Regular waterings are recommended, especially during dry spells, to prevent soil from drying out completely. Water from the base of the plant to avoid fungal disease issues from developing. These plants do not require heavy fertilization. Pruning is relatively simple; these shrubs have an upright habit, and should be harvested for their leaves regularly to encourage bushy growth and to prevent the plant from bolting (sending up flower stalks prematurely). Pinch off all flower buds from the plant as they appear to prolong the leaf harvest. In wintertime, these plants will die back to the ground. Plants can be pulled and composted at this time, or left in place to enrich the soil. Spinach plants are annuals, and to have multiple years of harvests will need to be re-sown each year.

Harvesting Spinacia
Spinach plants are cut-and-come-again leafy greens that can be continuously harvested up until they bolt and produce flowers. Once this happens, the leaves will become bitter and tougher. Spinach microgreens can be harvested in just 10 to 14 days, and fully mature leaves are harvestable in 30 to 40 days from sowing seeds. For a bountiful, continuous harvest, succession-plant every few weeks in springtime through summer. These plants will bolt quickly in warm weather, so seeds should be sown as early as possible in springtime. The best time of the day to harvest Spinach foliage is in the morning, after dew has dried but before the heat of the day sets in. Using sharp, clean shears, remove outer Spinach leaves that have reached 3 to 6 inches long. Leave the inner crown fully intact (with no nicks or scratches) for continuous, healthy regrowth. Spinach leaves can be used fresh or stored in the refrigerator in a paper towel inside of a plastic bag. They will stay fresh for 10 to 14 days. To use, rinse the leaves and dry them. They can be used fresh in salads, creamed or sautéed, added to egg dishes, or included in any number of meat preparations.

Disclaimer: Information contained on this website is strictly and categorically intended as a reference to be used in conjunction with experts in your area. Foraging and consumption of plant parts should never begin without the guidance and approval of a local plant specialist. The providers of this website accept no liability for the use or misuse of information contained in this website.

Propagation

Spinacia, or Spinach, plants are best propagated by harvesting and sowing seed. To propagate your Spinach plant, follow the instructions below:

Propagating Spinacia by Seed

Keep in mind that the plant you get from seed will not necessarily mimic all of the characteristics of the parent plant. To propagate by seed, you will need a paper bag, a pot or tray filled with well-draining compost or other organic material, a spray bottle and a fork. The best potting medium for seed germination is a light blend of 1/3 pasteurized soil or compost, 1/3 sand, vermiculite or perlite, and 1/3 coconut coir or peat moss.
Harvest your seeds a few weeks after flowers have faded. The seed heads will be brown and brittle, releasing seeds easily. Cut the flowering heads from plants and place them in a paper bag. Bring into a workspace and separate seed from chaff. The seeds can be stored in a glass airtight container in a cool, dark dry area for between 2 and 6 years. They are best used fresh.
Water a prepared seed tray or pot filled with soil, and ensure that good drainage is occurring. Place seeds a quarter inch under the soil surface. Cover them lightly with soil and water with the spray bottle, making sure to not dislodge the seeds. Place your tray of seeds in a warm area that receives bright, indirect light. A greenhouse is the most ideal climate, but a planting tray inside a window will do as well. Germination usually takes 7 to 14 days from sowing.
Keep the seedlings' potting medium moist, but not wet, by spraying the soil with the spray bottle. Keep them in an area with bright light (though not direct sunlight) and temperatures between 55 and 70 degrees Fahrenheit. Ensure that the soil stays moist, but not wet, until the next spring (after the danger of frost has passed) or fall, when you can transplant them out to their new home in the garden
Alternatively, Spinacia seeds can be direct-sown into the garden soil once soil temperatures reach 60 degrees Fahrenheit. Place seeds 1/2 inch deep 1-2 inches apart in rows spaced 12 to 18 inches apart. Once seedlings emerge, thin to 6-12 inches apart.