Batten Blooms
PL. —Spinacia oleraceaBotanical illustration — drop image
Spinacia oleracea

Spinach

SpringSummerFall
2a–9bHardiness zone
Peak bloom windowZone 6b · frost-offset weeks
Winter
In bloom
Spring
Peak bloom
Summer
Not in bloom
Fall
Not in bloom
Peak bloom
In bloom
Background

Spinach is a cool-season vegetable that performs best in spring and autumn when temperatures are below 65°F — it bolts (runs to seed) quickly in heat. Direct sow as early as soil can be worked in spring, or again in late summer for an autumn harvest. The bolted flower stalks, while bitter and inedible, have a delicate lacy quality that can be used as filler in naturalistic arrangements.

Sow in succession every 2 weeks from early spring through April, and again from August through September for autumn. Harvest outer leaves continuously to extend the season.

Good companions
StrawberryGarden PeaRadiant Radish MixBroccoli
Care guide
SunFull sun to partial shade
WaterRegular; consistent moisture for tender leaves
SoilRich, moist, well-draining; pH 6.5–7.0
Spacing4–6 inches
Height6–12 inches
Zone2a – 9b
WinterAnnual — compost after bolting.
Direct sowFrost hardy
Seasonal tasks
spring
watchHarvest outer leaves continuously; once a seed stalk appears, pull the whole plant — quality drops fast once bolting starts
sowDirect sow
summer
sowDirect sow
fall
sowOverwinter sow for spring harvest — rosettes sit under mulch or snow, then resume for the earliest spring cutting
Common problems

Downy mildew

Symptoms

Yellowing on top of leaves with grey-purple fuzz underneath. Spreads rapidly in humid conditions.

Treatment

Remove affected leaves. Improve air circulation. Avoid overhead watering. Copper spray as preventive.