Planting and care
How to grow spinach
Cool season · Annual
Direct seed or transplant
6–36 in depending crop
Baby leaves: about 25–35 days from seed; mature leaves: 40–55 days. Winter growth is slower.
Moderate feeder
Leafy Compact
How to prune
Remove yellow or damaged leaves; keep the central crown intact for continued growth. Pull plants once flower stalks rise and leaves lose quality.
How to harvest
Pick outer leaves when large enough to eat, leaving several healthy center leaves. For a one-time crop, cut the whole rosette at soil level. Wash gritty leaves well.
Harvest and kitchen use
Salads, sautés, wraps or cooked greens depending crop
Nutrition and garden value
Leafy greens provide folate and vitamins A/K; nutrient profile varies by crop
Space-efficient; many tolerate shoulder seasons and succession planting
Common challenges and troubleshooting
Heat bolting, slugs, flea beetles or leaf miners depending crop