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Spinach Planting Guide

Spinach is a nutrient-packed cool-season green that grows quickly in spring and fall. It is rich in iron, vitamins, and antioxidants and excellent raw or cooked.

Spinacia oleracea ยท Vegetable ยท Amaranthaceae family ยท 35โ€“50 days to maturity

Where Can You Grow Spinach?

Spinach Growing Regions

Click any state to see the Spinach planting schedule for that location.

Planting Dates by Zone

Zone Start Indoors Direct Sow Transplant Harvest
Zone 2a Apr 18 May 23 May 30 Jul 4 โ€“ Sep 5
Zone 2b Apr 10 May 15 May 22 Jun 26 โ€“ Aug 28
Zone 3a Apr 3 May 8 May 15 Jun 19 โ€“ Aug 21
Zone 3b Mar 29 May 3 May 10 Jun 14 โ€“ Aug 16
Zone 4a Mar 25 Apr 29 May 6 Jun 10 โ€“ Aug 12
Zone 4b Mar 20 Apr 24 May 1 Jun 5 โ€“ Aug 7
Zone 5a Mar 21 Apr 11 Apr 25 May 30 โ€“ Aug 1
Zone 5b Mar 14 Apr 4 Apr 18 May 23 โ€“ Jul 25
Zone 6a Mar 6 Mar 27 Apr 10 May 15 โ€“ Jul 17
Zone 6b Feb 27 Mar 20 Apr 3 May 8 โ€“ Jul 10
Zone 7a Feb 18 Mar 11 Mar 25 Apr 29 โ€“ Jul 1
Zone 7b Feb 11 Mar 4 Mar 18 Apr 22 โ€“ Jun 24
Zone 8a Feb 1 Feb 22 Mar 8 Apr 12 โ€“ Jun 14
Zone 8b Jan 21 Feb 11 Feb 25 Apr 1 โ€“ Jun 3
Zone 9a Jan 13 Jan 20 Feb 10 Mar 17 โ€“ May 19
Zone 9b Dec 28 Jan 4 Jan 25 Mar 1 โ€“ May 3
Zone 10a Dec 4 Dec 11 Jan 1 Feb 5 โ€“ Apr 9
Zone 10b Dec 4 Dec 11 Jan 1 Feb 5 โ€“ Apr 9

Growing Conditions

Sun

Partial Shade (3-6 hours)

Water

Moderate โ€” regular watering

Soil pH

6.5 โ€“ 7.5

Hardiness Zones

Zone 2a โ€“ 10b

Growing Tips

Direct sow as soon as soil can be worked in spring. Plant in partial shade for summer crops to delay bolting. Succession plant every 2 weeks for continuous harvest.

Saving Spinach Seeds

๐ŸŒพ Save Your Own Spinach Seeds
Life Cycle Annual
Pollination Wind Pollinated
How to Collect Let plants bolt. Harvest seed stalks when seeds turn tan.
Storage Store airtight; viable 5 years at 35ยฐF, under 45% humidity.

Wind pollinated โ€” isolate 1/2 mile for purity. Easy to let bolt in heat.

Recommended for Your Garden

๐ŸŒฑ
Seed Starting Trays $8-20

Start seeds indoors with reusable cell trays and humidity domes.

๐Ÿงช
Soil Test Kit $12-25

Test your soil pH, nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium levels before planting.

๐Ÿท๏ธ
Garden Plant Markers $6-12

Keep your garden organized with durable, weather-resistant plant labels.

Level Up Your Garden

Spinach by State

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does it take to grow Spinach?

Spinach (Spinacia oleracea) takes 35 to 50 days from planting to harvest. Exact timing depends on your variety, growing conditions, and USDA zone.

What zones can Spinach grow in?

Spinach can be grown in USDA zones 2a through 10b. Use the planting calendar above to find the exact dates for your zone.

How much sun does Spinach need?

Growing Spinach requires Partial Shade (3-6 hours), Moderate โ€” regular watering, and soil pH of 6.5 to 7.5.

Data sources: USDA Plant Hardiness Zone Map (2023), NOAA 30-Year Climate Normals, University Cooperative Extension planting guides. Last updated: April 2026.