Close-up of green leafy plants growing in a field

Spinacia oleracea

Spinach

The Northwest's favorable conditions for spinach production allow us to focus our selection criteria on flavor, vigor, and bolt and disease resistance. The highest-protein vegetable, leafy spinach greens boast an unmatched, synergistic complement of vitamins, minerals, flavonoids and carotenoids that when combined, protect eyesight, help prevent the buildup of cholesterol, and target cancer-causing free radicals.

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The Growing Guide

Soil Temp for Germ 45–75°F
Seed Depth ½"
Seed Spacing 1"
Days to Emergence 6–21
Thin Plants to 3–6"
Row Spacing 12"
Fertilizer Needs Low
Minimum Germination 65%
Seeds per Gram ≈ 80
Seed Life 1 year

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More About The Seeds & Plants

Spinach Disease Resistance Key

Blue Mold Fungal disease causing yellow spots, and blue downy growth.
Cucumber Mosaic Virus Viral disease causing mottled, distorted cucumber leaves.
Downy Mildew
Leaf Mold Fungal disease causing gray mold on leaves.
White Rust Fungal disease causing white pustules on plant leaves.

* Numbers indicate specific disease race.

More About

Spinacia oleracea

Days to maturity are calculated from date of direct seeding.

Culture
• Optimum soil pH range is 6.5-7.5
• Spinach grows best during cooler weather of early spring and fall
• Soil temperature above 80°F can cause erratic germination
• Bolting is caused by rising temperatures, day length and water stress; see specific varieties for bolt resistance
• Apply 1/2 cup of TSC's Complete fertilizer per 5 row feet, and 1 inch of compost

Direct Sowing
• For baby spinach sow 20-25 seeds per foot in a 2 inch wide furrow, in rows 6 inches apart, thin to 1 inch
• Sow July—August for a fall crop
• Sow late-August for an overwintering crop

Insects & Diseases
• Common insects: Spinach leaf miners
• Insect control: Use row covers, spray eggs on underside of leaves with Pyrethrin or destroy any affected leaves and keep the surrounding area weeded
• Common diseases: See chart below
• Disease prevention: Plant in fertile soil and use a 3-4 year crop rotation

Harvest & Storage
• For baby greens, harvest 3-4 inches
• Individual leaves may be harvested anytime, starting with the outer leaves to allow the inner leaves to continue growing
• Plants will begin bolting as days get longer and warmer. If the plant begins bolting, harvest the entire plant or attempt to slow bolting by removing the flower/seed heads, providing shade, and keeping the soil moist
• For best results, harvest when plants are cool, then immediately run leaves under cold water. Dry with a paper towel and store in a resealable plastic bag with a paper towel
• Store at 36°F and 95% relative humidity for up to one week
• Freeze spinach by washing, trimming the ends, blanching, and packing into resealable freezer bags

KEY TO SPINACH DISEASE RESISTANCE AND TOLERANCE
HR indicates high resistance.
IR indicates intermediate resistance.
CMV | Cucumber Mosaic Virus
DM* | Downy Mildew
WR | White Rust
* Numbers indicate specific disease race.

Spinach Staff Picks

Our Team’s Favorite Spinach This Season

Praised for its tender, flavorful leaves, Olympia Spinach is an "employee favorite." It grows quickly and reliably, thriving in diverse conditions. With consistent yields and excellent taste, it’s a standout choice for fresh salads, sautés, or any dish needing vibrant, nutritious greens.

Olympia Spinach

Vegetable | spinach | smooth

From $6.95

45 days. Probably the best and most productive dark green plain leaf spinach for year-round sowing and harvests. Within its class, Olympia is slower to bolt and displays better eating quality than others. An excellent choice for cooking and year-round fresh spinach salads. Typically upright, it grows to 10 inches. DM 1–3, 5, 8–9, 11–12, 14.