Latin |
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Spinacia oleraceae
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When To Start |
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Spinach does best in cool weather. Plant any variety from Mar.1-Apr.15 and after Aug.1. For late spring and early summer plantings, use Mazurka, Tyee, and for quick harvest, Space and Olympia. Spinach will bolt (flower) when days are long and hot. Some varieties grow enough leaf to harvest before they bolt. For continuous supply plant every 3 weeks.
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Preparing the Soil |
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This heavy feeder requires rich soil and a fairly neutral pH of 6.2-6.9 (lime if necessary). Dig in 1/4-1/2 cup complete organic fertilizer beneath each metre (yard) of row. Overwintering spinach needs well-drained soil.
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Diseases |
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Downy mildew is a fungal disease that causes greyish mold on spinach.
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Insects |
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Pale, soft tunnels on the leaves are probably leaf miner damage. Prevent by covering with floating row cover. You can kill the insect inside the leaf by pinching it. Destroy any affected leaves.
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Growing Tips |
Rows 30-45cm (12-18") apart, 10 seeds/30cm(12"), 1cm (1/2") deep in
cool weather, 2cm (1") when it's warmer. Farm: 100' row: 28g. Acre: 4-5kg (8-10lb).
Thin to 6-8cm (2-3") apart, or further if you want large plants.In optimal conditions at least 65% will germinate. Soil temperature for
germination: 5-20ºC (45-70ºF). Seeds will sprout in 6-21 days depending on soil temperature. Usual seed life: 3 years.
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Harvest |
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Cut whole plant just above soil level.
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