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

Your comments and tips

07 May 18, Dhan Kathayat (Australia - temperate climate)
What is the recommended dose of chemical fertilizer for spinach in Australia?
08 May 18, Mike (Australia - sub-tropical climate)
Depends how rich your soil is to start with. If good soil then you wouldn't need any. If your soil needs some then wait until plants are established or put some in the garden before you plant. About 10-30 gms to 9 liters of water - 9 liter watering can from Bunnings.. Small plants about 10-15gms - bigger 20-30 gms. A heaped teaspoon is about 6-7 gms. Trial and error - go on the weak side rather than too strong to start with. Bigger veggies you can increase that to 100-120 - like corn.
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.
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
16 Apr 18, Phil (Australia - temperate climate)
Hi all. Just wondering has anyone had any expierience re different tasting varieties when cooked. This year I grew Amsterdam Giant and was somewhat dissapointed in the intensity of the flavour. Anyone with varieties that they can list that are good when cooked would be appreciated
09 Nov 17, Meta (New Zealand - sub-tropical climate)
i cant really understand, why growing spinach in subtropics is not recommended...pls anyone?
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.
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.
28 Oct 17, Owen (South Africa - Summer rainfall climate)
I have tried a Neem Oil, Bicarb & sunlight dishsoap mixture for some time - it really seems to help.
02 Jul 17, Scott (Australia - sub-tropical climate)
I've had great success with English Medania Spinach from D.T. Brown seeds (in sub-tropical area). I planted about 6 weeks ago and they are ready for picking. Packet recommends planting August and Winter for my area.
Showing 21 - 30 of 114 comments

I found a plastic tray about 30x15cm and 10cm deep, filled it with straight garden soil, watered it planted all sorts of seeds (spinach, wong bok, onions, leeks, celery, brussels, romanesco). Put in a kitchen tidy bag on top of the hot water system and everything (except the celery) sprouted within 4 days. I think it has something to do with the volume of soil and heat/moisture retention. I have since bought 4 more trays and am investigating/experimenting further.

- David

Please provide your email address if you are hoping for a reply


All comments are reviewed before displaying on the site, so your posting will not appear immediately

Gardenate App

Put GardenGrow in your pocket. Get our app for iPhone, iPad or Android to add your own plants and record your plantings and harvests

Planting Reminders

Join 60,000+ gardeners who already use GardenGrow and subscribe to the free GardenGrow planting reminders email newsletter.


Home | Vegetables and herbs to plant | Climate zones | About GardenGrow | Contact us | Privacy Policy

This planting guide is a general reference intended for home gardeners. We recommend that you take into account your local conditions in making planting decisions. GardenGrow is not a farming or commercial advisory service. For specific advice, please contact your local plant suppliers, gardening groups, or agricultural department. The information on this site is presented in good faith, but we take no responsibility as to the accuracy of the information provided.
We cannot help if you are overrun by giant slugs.