Blog

When to plant Spinach in Sullivan County, MO

Spring Spinach in Sullivan County goes in April 3–April 24, once nighttime temps stop dipping near freezing. A second sowing from August 8 to August 22 extends the harvest into fall.

When to Plant Spinach in Sullivan County, MO

Spinach

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.

Sullivan County, Missouri is in USDA Zone 6a. The average last spring frost is April 17 and the first fall frost is October 17, giving you a growing season of approximately 183 days.

At an elevation of 1,019 feet, Sullivan County receives approximately 34.5 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 84°F, so choose short-season varieties of Spinach to ensure they mature before fall.

Sullivan County, MO (Zone 6a) Moderate season
183 days
Last Spring Frost April 17
183 growing days
First Fall Frost October 17

Sullivan County Soil Profile

Soil Type

Silt Loam

Soil pH

5.5-6.8

Drainage

Well Drained

Monthly Watering Guide for Spinach

Spinach needs approximately 1 inches of water per week (4.3" per month). Here's how your county's rainfall compares month by month.

Month Spinach Needs Rainfall You Supplement Action
Jan 1.4" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Feb 1.6" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Mar 2.6" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Apr 4.3" 3.1" 1.2" 💧 Light watering
May 4.3" 4" 0.3" 💧 Light watering
Jun 4.3" 4.2" 0.1" 💧 Light watering
Jul 4.3" 3.9" 0.4" 💧 Light watering
Aug 4.3" 3.2" 1.1" 💧 Light watering
Sep 4.3" 3.3" 1" 💧 Light watering
Oct 4.3" 2.6" 1.7" 💧 Light watering
Nov 2.7" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Dec 2" 0" ❄️ Dormant

Water needs are for active growing months only (Apr–Oct in Sullivan County). Supplement amounts are based on average rainfall — actual needs vary with temperature, soil, and mulching.

Spinach Planting Timeline — Sullivan County, MO

Spinach Planting Calendar

Activity When Date Range
Start Indoors March 13 Mar 13 – Mar 27
Transplant Outdoors April 17 Apr 17 – May 1
Direct Sow April 3 Apr 3 – Apr 24
Harvest May 22 May 22 – Jul 24
Fall Sowing August 8 Aug 8 – Aug 22

Plant 0.5" deep · 6" apart · Rows 12" apart

Month-by-Month Timeline

MonthActivities
January
February
March Start Indoors
April Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow
May Transplant Outdoors Harvest
June Harvest
July Harvest
August Fall Sowing
September
October
November
December

Growing Conditions

☀️ Sun

Partial Shade (3-6 hours)

💧 Water

Moderate — regular watering

📅 Days to Maturity

35–50 days

🧪 Soil pH

Needs 6.5–7.5 · Your soil: N/A

🗺️ USDA Zone

Zone 6a

📆 Growing Season

183 days in Sullivan County

Growing Tips for Sullivan County

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.

Companion Planting

Good Companions

Check more plant combinations with our Companion Planting Checker →

🌾 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 35°F, under 45% humidity.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

When should I plant Spinach in Sullivan County, MO?

Sullivan County is in Zone 6a with an average last frost of April 17. Plan your Spinach planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.

What planting zone is Sullivan County, MO?

Sullivan County, Missouri is in USDA Hardiness Zone 6a. The average last spring frost is April 17 and first fall frost is October 17.

When should I plant Spinach in Sullivan County, MO?

In Sullivan County, MO, plant Spinach after the last frost (around April 17) and before the first frost (around October 17). Best results when soil holds above 50°F.

What growing zone is Sullivan County, MO for Spinach?

Sullivan County sits in USDA Zone 6a. Spinach grows reliably in zones 2a through 10b, so it's a good fit here.

Can Spinach grow in Sullivan County's climate?

Yes — Spinach grows well in Sullivan County's temperate climate. Sullivan County averages a 183-day frost-free season, with last frost around April 17 and first frost around October 17.

🌱

Your Sullivan County Garden Planner — Free

A 22-page printable planner built for Sullivan County (Zone 6a). Planting dates, a month-by-month schedule, harvest log, seed inventory, and succession charts — all dialed in for your exact growing season.

Instant PDF download. No spam, unsubscribe any time.

Data sources: USDA Plant Hardiness Zone Map (2023), NOAA 30-Year Climate Normals. Frost dates are based on 50% probability averages for Sullivan County, MO. Local conditions may vary. Last updated: July 2026.

Sources & credits

Every number on this page traces back to a primary horticulture or government data source. Click through to verify.