How to Grow Vining Spinach

Growing from Seed

• 1

  Scarify seed using a file, sandpaper or sharp knife to carefully cut through the seed coat. This helps speed germination.

• 2

  Fill a planting tray and plant seeds. Keep evenly moist. Transplant into the garden when seedlings have three or more sets of true leaves. Only transplant when soil is warm and all danger of frost has passed.

• 3

  Pick a spot in full sun. Work 6 inches of compost or manure into the top 12 inches of soil. Space transplants 12 inches apart. Provide some shade until transplants are established. Place a trellis behind the transplants if desired.

• 4

  Fertilize with a balanced, high-nitrogen fertilizer, such as a 10-5-5. Water frequently to keep plants from blooming, which is a signal to the plant to die.

Growing From Cuttings

• 5

  Take cuttings 4 to 6 inches long from the tip of a vine, or use sections of vine too tough to eat. Strip off all but the top two leaves.

• 6

  Stick cuttings directly into the ground or into a pot. It is best to start cuttings in a semi-shady spot.

• 7

  Work 6 inches of compost or manure into the top 12 inches of soil in a sunny location. Transplant rooted cuttings 12 inches apart when cuttings show new growth, the soil has warmed and all danger of frost has passed. Provide some shade until plants are established.

• 8

  Water frequently to keep plants from blooming. Fertilize monthly with a high-nitrogen fertilizer such as a 10-5-5.