Growing Spinach, also English spinach

Spinacia oleracea : Amaranthaceae / the amaranth family

Jan F M A M J J A S O N Dec
    P P P P P P P      

(Best months for growing Spinach in New Zealand - cool/mountain regions)

  • P = Sow seed
  • Easy to grow. Sow in garden. Sow seed at a depth approximately three times the diameter of the seed. Best planted at soil temperatures between 50°F and 77°F. (Show °C/cm)
  • Space plants: 8 - 12 inches apart
  • Harvest in 5-11 weeks.
  • Compatible with (can grow beside): Broad beans (fava), cabbage, cauliflower, celery, eggplant (aubergine), onion, peas, strawberry, santolina
  • Baby spinach
  • Young spinach

Green leaf crop. Spinach grows best in cooler weather and quickly runs to seed in warm weather. Can be sown in Fall/Autumn and overwintered if protected by mulch. Not recommended to grow in warm areas. Alternatives suitable for warm areas are Swiss Chard (Silverbeet) or NZ spinach.

Will not grow well in acid soil.

Succession sowing will provide a supply through the winter months.

Culinary hints - cooking and eating Spinach

Use young leaves in salad.
Steam and add to other vegetables.

Your comments and tips

Post a comment or question Display Newest first | Oldest first, Show comments for New Zealand | for all countries
26 Apr 18, Helen (New Zealand - temperate climate)
Can you please advise whether all brassicas like some lime or are spinach and cauliflower plants Ok with more acid soil.
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08 May 18, Andrea (New Zealand - temperate climate)
Spinach isn't actually a brassica but likes lime yes. Cauliflower, cabbage, broccoli, Brussels sprouts, collard greens and some Asian greeens are in the genus Brassica. See this link if you're interested. https://www.britannica.com/topic/list-of-plants-in-the-family-Brassicaceae-2004620
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09 Nov 17, Meta (New Zealand - sub-tropical climate)
i cant really understand, why growing spinach in subtropics is not recommended...pls anyone?
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12 Nov 17, Chris (Australia - cool/mountain climate)
It goes to seed (bolts) very quickly in hot weather so it won't get very large before it becomes unusable.
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11 Nov 17, Charlotte (New Zealand - sub-tropical climate)
My understanding is that the warmer weather can cause it to bolt and go to seed extremely quickly. It likes sun but needs less heat to give the full benefits and yeild. Nz spinach does better during the summer months and is a good alternative option.
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See comments for all plants

I've had a lot of success in Sydney, with a small leafed spinach called 'Muscleman'. Named after Popeye, I guess. I planted 2 punnets in March and have been snipping off leaves every day for lunch and dinner 6 months later. It just keeps on giving! Highly recommended.

- Tony Richardson

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