Bloomsdale - Organic Spinach Seeds

Direct sow spinach about 4–6 weeks before the expected last spring frost, once the soil can be worked. Seeds germinate in soil as cool as about 40°F, though emergence is faster near 50°F.

Make small sowings every 1–2 weeks while conditions remain cool. For fall harvest, sow as summer heat begins to ease. Established plants tolerate frost well, and late plantings may overwinter beneath mulch or protection for an early spring harvest.

Sow seeds about ½ inch deep and 1–2 inches apart. Keep the soil evenly moist until seedlings emerge, which commonly takes 7–14 days depending on temperature.

Thin plants to about 3–4 inches apart for mature leaves, or leave them closer for baby-leaf harvest. Spinach is usually best direct sown because seedlings have delicate roots and may be slow to recover from transplanting.

Choose a site with full sun during cool weather. Light afternoon shade can help extend the harvest as temperatures rise.

Grow spinach in loose, well-drained soil enriched with finished compost. Its shallow roots need steady moisture, so water whenever the surface begins to dry. A light organic mulch can help keep the soil cool, but leave the soil exposed if slugs become troublesome.

Begin harvesting baby leaves once they are large enough to use. Pick the outer leaves first and allow the center to continue growing, or cut the entire plant near soil level.

Spinach is commonly ready about 40–50 days after sowing. Harvest promptly when a central flower stalk begins to rise, since the leaves quickly become tougher and more bitter as the plant bolts.