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

Post a comment or question Display Newest first | Oldest first, Show comments for New Zealand | for all countries
16 May 08, Liz (Unknown climate)
Have you tried soaking in a saucer of water for 24 hours? You may find that the hard coat will soften enough to encourage germination.
Reply or Post a new comment
14 May 08, Janette Jenyns (Unknown climate)
No success at all getting spinach seed to germinate. Have tried planting in egg carton covered with plastic to keep moist by still no luck.
Reply or Post a new comment
01 May 08, Noelene Smith (Unknown climate)
I have success with this seed. I keep it damp and protected. In the middle of a group of plants I just sprinkle seed. then transplant it before it get over 10-15 cm. Snails are the worst enemy of new shoots so you will have to protect the seed as they shoot.
Reply or Post a new comment
20 Apr 08, Lynton Wright (Unknown climate)
I Find Spinach the most Difficult vegetable to grow. That is to strike
Reply or Post a new comment
Showing 111 - 114 of 114 comments
See comments for all plants

Set your climate zone to temperate then select spinach (which you already have done). Read the info provided. There is a monthly calendar there at the top to tell you when to plant.

- anon

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.