Holly's Homestead — Leafy Green
English Spinach
Spinacia oleracea · Amaranth family
DIFFICULTY Easy
TYPE Annual, cool season, direct sown
MATURITY 40–50 days
TYPE Annual, cool season, direct sown
MATURITY 40–50 days
Sun
Full–part sun
Water
Consistent
Soil pH
6.5–7.5
Spacing
10–15cm
Depth
1–2cm
01Cool-season quick crop
This is true spinach — the same plant as the earlier spinach guide, distinct from silverbeet or English spinach substitutes. Grow through the cooler months for best results.
02Planting
Method
Direct sow; thin as seedlings crowd.
Soil
Rich, moisture-retentive.
Timing
Sow through autumn, winter, and early spring.
Planting timing varies significantly by Australian climate zone. Set your zone above (or use the Find My Climate Zone tool) for guidance tailored to your own area.
03Growing care
- Thin to final spacing early.
- Keep soil consistently moist.
- Harvest outer leaves regularly.
- Pull at the first sign of bolting.
04Problems
- Bolting — warmth and long days; grow in the cool season only.
- Leaf miner — remove affected leaves.
- Downy mildew — humid weather; improve airflow.
- Slow growth — feed regularly in poor soil.
05Harvest & storage
Signs
Leaves reach usable size, before any flower stalk forms.
Method
Cut outer leaves or the whole plant.
Curing
None needed.
Storage
Fridge crisper, a few days.
Preserving
See Freezing Produce (blanching and freezing a glut) for ways to keep a harvest surplus.
06Companions & rotation
Plant nearby
StrawberryBrassicasPeasAvoid nearby
PotatoRotation note
Fast crop; rotate loosely with other families.
