Vegetable · Amaranthaceae family
spinach
Spinacia oleracea
In short a 10-second read
Spinach (vegetable) grows to 0.15–0.3 m tall and 0.15–0.3 m wide when mature. It grows best in full sun to part shade, in average to moist soil. Sow in March–May, August–September. Harvest in May–November.
× spread 0.15–0.3 m
Where to plant
Sun and soil.
It grows best in full sun to part shade, in average to moist soil.
Sun
Tolerates several positions — choose to suit the rest of the garden.
Soil and water
average to moist · watering: a lot
Soil: humus-rich, loamy
Soil pH 6–7.5
How much space it takes
Mature size.
The mature plant next to a person (175 cm).
Next to a person
The final size depends on the cultivar and the spot — we give the range from smallest to largest.
Calendar
What to do and when.
Months for Central Europe. The line shows the current month.
The year at a glance
Pruning
harvest regularly (as needed)
Sowing
direct sowing: March–May, August–September
Harvest
May–November
Winter protection
cover with horticultural fleece
Overwintering
In winter it needs protection.
Before the first frosts: cover with horticultural fleece.
- Cover with horticultural fleece
- Dies back in winter and regrows in spring
What to combine it with
Ready-made combinations.
Ready-made Studio combinations that include spinach
Lettuce, chard, spinach and endive — green leaves for quick harvests,…
Frequently asked
Quick answers.
When do I sow spinach?
In March–May, August–September (direct sowing).
When is spinach harvested?
In May–November.
Does spinach tolerate shade?
It tolerates part shade (3–6 hours of sun), but not full shade.
How much space does spinach need?
At maturity 0.15–0.3 m wide and 0.15–0.3 m tall; recommended spacing 15 cm.
Does spinach survive winter outdoors?
Yes, with protection: cover with horticultural fleece.
Where the data comes from
The data is indicative — we are still comparing it with further sources. Last checked 2 September 2026.
Show sources (4)
- NC State Extension Gardener Plant Toolbox
- RHS — How to grow spinach
- Wikidata (CC0) — Spinacia oleracea
- Invasive plant lists — this species is not on them: EU
