Spinacia oleracea
Common name: Spinach
Spinacia oleracea is a fast-growing cool-season annual in the amaranth family (Amaranthaceae), cultivated for its nutrient-dense dark green leaves. It originated in ancient Persia and spread to China and Europe via the Islamic world. Plants are dioecious, with male and female flowers typically borne on separate individuals.
Care summary
Sun
Full sun to partial shade
Water
Evenly moist soil; regular watering
Soil
Rich, well-draining, pH 6.0–7.5
Hardiness
Zones 2–9 as a cool-season annual
Mature height
15–30 cm (6–12 in)
Pet safe
Non-toxic; high oxalates mean moderation for pets
Difficulty
Easy
Propagation
Grown only from seed. Sow seeds about 1 cm deep directly in the garden in cool weather, spacing a few centimeters apart, and thin seedlings as they grow; spinach does not propagate from cuttings.
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.