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Spinacia

Common name: Spinach

Spinacia A small genus of annual herbs in the amaranth family, originally from southwest Asia. Spinacia oleracea, the spinach of gardens and groceries, is the only species in general cultivation and has been grown as a leafy vegetable for well over a thousand years. It prefers cool weather and fertile, moist soil, bolting quickly once days lengthen and warm up.

Care summary

Sun Full sun to partial shade
Water Evenly moist soil; regular watering
Soil Rich, well-draining, pH 6.0–7.5
Hardiness
Mature height
Pet safe

Fun facts

  • Spinach's famous iron reputation was exaggerated by a decimal-point error reported in 19th-century nutrition tables.
  • Popeye's spinach-powered strength, introduced in 1932, is credited with boosting spinach consumption in the US by a third.
  • Spinach bolts quickly in long summer days, so it is best grown in spring and autumn.
  • The leaves are rich in iron, vitamin K, folate, and the antioxidants lutein and beta-carotene.

Common problems

    • Sow in cool spring or fall
    • Choose bolt-resistant varieties
    • Harvest leaves promptly and often
    • Space plants for good airflow
    • Water at the base only
    • Remove and destroy infected leaves
    • Cover beds with insect netting
    • Remove and destroy mined leaves
    • Rotate crops away from beets
    • Sow when soil is cool
    • Keep seedbed evenly moist
    • Presoak seeds before sowing