Also known as Africian Spinach · Spinach [plant] · Spinash
Spinach (Spinacia oleracea) is a leafy green vegetable packed with vitamins and minerals. It's a versatile and nutritious addition to many dishes.
At-a-glance light, water, soil, and growing conditions from plant data
Partial to Full Sun
75% intensity
Prefers 4-6 hours of direct sunlight daily. Can tolerate some shade, especially in hotter climates.
Consistent Moisture
75% intensity
Keep soil evenly moist but not waterlogged. Water deeply when the top inch of soil feels dry.
Well-drained, fertile
50% intensity
Cool Season
50% intensity
Ideal growth is between 15-20°C. Tolerates light frost but bolts quickly in heat.
Outdoor
50% intensity
Light Feeding
25% intensity
Enrich soil with compost. Feed with a balanced fertilizer mid-season if needed.
Safety information from plant toxicity data
| Attribute | Value |
|---|---|
| Toxic for humans | No 0/5 intensity |
| Toxic for pets | No 0/5 intensity |
| Edible | Yes |
None
Key traits and growing stats from plant data
Watering, pruning, propagation, and repotting details from plant data
Spinach thrives in consistently moist soil. Water regularly, especially during dry spells, to prevent bolting and ensure tender leaves.
Aim for deep watering rather than frequent shallow sprinkles to encourage strong root development. Avoid waterlogging, as this can lead to root rot.
Harvest spinach by picking outer leaves as needed, which encourages continuous production. For a full harvest, cut the entire plant at the base.
Regular harvesting prevents the plant from bolting too quickly and ensures a steady supply of fresh leaves throughout the growing season.
Spinach is primarily grown from seed. Sow seeds directly into the garden bed in early spring or fall. Seeds germinate best in cool soil.
You can also start seeds indoors a few weeks before the last frost date for an earlier harvest, transplanting them carefully.
Spinach is typically grown as an annual and harvested before it requires repotting. If growing in containers and intending for a longer harvest, repotting may become necessary if plants become root-bound.
Choose a container slightly larger than the current one with adequate drainage.
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Monthly activity intensity for bloom and fruit across both hemispheres.
Flowering & fruiting calendar
Flowering & fruiting calendar
Photos of Spinach (Spinacia oleracea)
Where Spinach (Spinacia oleracea) is found
Density
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9 known issues from plant disease data
Curly Top in Spinach causes leaves to curl, thicken, and stay small, leaving plants stunted, pale, and unsuitable for harvest.
Bacterial Leaf Spot in Spinach causes small water-soaked spots that turn dark and angular, making leaves spotted, torn, and low quality.
Stemphylium Leaf Spot in Spinach causes round brown spots with dry centers that spread across leaves, reducing vigor and fresh market appeal.
Common names and botanical synonyms
Botanical classification
| Rank | Name |
|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Division | Tracheophyta |
| Class | Magnoliopsida |
| Order | Caryophyllales |
| Family | Amaranthaceae |
| Genus | Spinacia |
| Species | Spinacia oleracea |
Similar in genus Spinacia
Answers based on plant encyclopedia data
