Spinach Growing Time

Soil Temperature

• Spinach is cold hardy and tolerant of temperatures as low as 20 degrees Fahrenheit. Being a cool-season vegetable, spinach grows best during the cooler, moist periods of year. When grown in excessive heat, the plants start to produce seed. Spinach seeds germinate optimally in soil temperatures of 38 to 40 F and up to 60 F. The rate of germination slows down in soils that are warmer than 60 F.

Planting Time

• Plant the vegetable during very early spring as soon as the soil becomes workable. In southern areas with hot weather and mild winters, spinach seedlings overwinter easily in a well-drained soil and start to grow again as soon as the temperatures are optimal in spring. If cared for with mulch, it is even possible to grow spinach over the winter in these regions, with a harvest ready in early spring.

Soil Type

• Though the vegetable adapts well to a variety of soil types, spinach prefers fertile, sandy loam amended with organic matter prior to planting. The recommended soil pH is anywhere between 6.4 to 6.8. It is best to conduct a soil test as the vegetable is highly sensitive to soil acidity. To reduce acidity add dolomite lime to planting site. Symptoms of excessive acidity on plants include cholorosis or brown and yellow discoloration on foliage edges and tips and stunted growth. Younger plants are likely to die entirely.

Water and Fertilizer

• Spinach has high requirement for water and fertilizer. Use 3 lbs. of 10-10-10 fertilizer for every 100 square feet of planting site by either broadcasting or mixing into the soil before planting. Water plants abundantly and regularly for healthy growth. North Carolina State University Extension recommends irrigating with an inch of water every week. Reduce slightly during rains. Maintain soil moisture levels especially during seedling emergence time.