Spinach Seeds - Giant Winter Spinach - Spinacia oleracea

2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11

USDA Zones 2-11 - Spinach is a cool-season annual that is planted at different times depending on the climate. It thrives in cool weather and will bolt (go to seed) in response to heat and long summer days.

Best Performance - Achieves optimal growth in the mild, cool temperatures of spring and autumn in Zones 4-7. It is an outstanding choice for overwintering with protection in Zones 6-9.

Northern Zones (2-5) - Sow seeds directly in the garden as soon as the soil can be worked in early spring for a late spring/early summer harvest. Plant a second crop in late summer for a fall harvest that can often extend beyond the first light frosts.

Hot Climate Zones (8-11) - This is a premier crop for fall, winter, and early spring. Sow seeds in the fall as the summer heat subsides. This timing allows for a long harvest season that can last throughout the winter and into spring, before the onset of intense heat.

Soil Temperature - Germinates best in cool soil, with an ideal temperature range of 40-75 degrees F. Germination can be poor and erratic in soil that is too warm (above 85 degrees F).

Growing Season - As a fast-maturing crop, spinach is ready for harvest in approximately 40-50 days. It requires a consistent period of cool weather rather than a long frost-free season.

Learn more about USDA Hardiness Zones here

When to Sow:
For a spring crop, direct sow seeds into the garden as soon as the soil can be worked, typically 4-6 weeks before your last average frost date. For a fall crop, sow seeds in late summer or early fall, about 6-8 weeks before your first anticipated fall frost. In mild-winter climates, sow in fall for a winter-long harvest.

Sowing and Spacing:

Seed Depth: Plant seeds 1/2 inch deep.

Spacing: Sow seeds about 1 inch apart in rows that are 12 to 18 inches apart.

Thinning: Once seedlings have developed their first true leaves, thin them to a final spacing of 4-6 inches apart. The tender thinnings are excellent in salads.

Ongoing Care:

Light: Plant in full sun to light shade.

Soil: Spinach requires fertile, well-drained soil that is rich in organic matter. It prefers a neutral to slightly alkaline pH between 6.5 and 7.5.

Water: Provide consistent and even moisture. Water stress can cause the plants to bolt prematurely. Mulching can help maintain cool, moist soil.

Fertilizing: Spinach is a heavy feeder, particularly of nitrogen. Work a generous amount of compost or a balanced, nitrogen-rich fertilizer into the soil prior to planting.

Harvesting: You can begin harvesting individual outer leaves when they are 3-4 inches long, allowing the inner leaves to continue growing for a prolonged "cut-and-come-again" harvest. Alternatively, you can harvest the entire plant by cutting it at the soil level once it has reached a mature size.