Spinach
Spinach is a cool weather leafy green, good for eating raw in salads or for cooking. They bolt (send up a flower stalk) quickly in warm weather, so are best grown in the cool season in Santa Clara County.
Cultural Tips for Growing Spinach, UC IPM
Planting
- Transplant 6 to 10 inches apart in February to April or September to October, possibly in November depending on weather or local conditions.
- Direct seed 3 to 5 inches apart in March to April or September to October, possibly in February or November depending on weather or local conditions. Thin to 6 to 10 inches apart.
- If growing your own seedlings, start the seeds 4 weeks before you want to plant.
- To ensure a continuous harvest of tender young leaves, plant in succession every week or two to extend your harvest window.
Harvesting
- Harvest spinach when the leaves are large enough to use.
- You can pick individual leaves, or carefully cut the entire plant above the growing point to encourage a second harvest.
- Once a flower stalk starts to appear, it is best to harvest the whole plant rather than just the outer leaves.
Pest management
Pests and disorders of spinach, UC IPM
Recommended varieties for Santa Clara County*
| Oriental Giant, Hybrid | Giant arrowhead-shaped leaves are sweet and crisp, on long stems held high off the ground. Vigorous plants will produce all winter long. 18 to 24 inches tall. Plant 8 to 10 inches apart. |
| Regiment, Hybrid | Tender deep green leaves with sweet, nutty flavor, on high-yielding plants. 10 to 12 inches tall. Plant 6 to 8 inches apart. |
Other recommended varieties: America, Bloomsdale Longstanding, Giant Nobel, Tyee F1, Viroflay, New Zealand (summer substitute, not a true spinach)
* Many other varieties may also do well here in Santa Clara County. This list is based on UC Master Gardener trials, taste tests, and feedback from local growers.