Spinach Seeds

West Coast Seeds, Spinach Seeds - Additional Information

How to Grow Spinach

Planting Schedule:
Spinach thrives in cooler conditions. Begin sowing four weeks before the last frost date and continue up to three weeks after. To combat the tendency of spinach to bolt on long, hot days, choose varieties that can reach harvest size swiftly. For a steady crop, sow seeds every three weeks.

Prepare for a fall harvest by planting in mid-August, offering shade and ample water to summer-sown beds. Expect reduced germination in warm soil, so sow generously. Apply cloche protection as colder weather arrives, allowing for harvests into December with mild winters.

Optimal Soil Temperature: 5-20°C (45-70°F), sprouting occurring in 7-14 days.


Seed Starting:
Plant seeds 1cm (½") deep, spacing them 10 seeds per 30cm (12") in rows 30-45cm (12-18") apart. Thin seedlings to 5-8cm (2-3") for optimal growth or more for larger leaves.


Growing:
Spinach prefers a pH of 6.0-6.5 and nutrient-rich soil. Enrich planting rows with ¼-½ cups of balanced organic fertilizer per metre (3 feet). Ensure soil is well-drained, especially for overwintering varieties.


Harvesting:
For tender baby greens, harvest when leaves reach 7-10cm (3-4") in length. You can harvest individual leaves at any stage before bolting. Cut just above the soil level to collect mature plants, promoting second growth in suitable climates.

Spinach Pests & Diseases

Leaf Miners:
Leaf miners are larvae of flies that burrow between the layers of spinach leaves, creating distinctive trails or blisters.

Use floating row covers to prevent adult flies from laying eggs on the leaves. Keep the garden free of debris and weeds where leaf miners can breed.

Remove and destroy affected leaves at the first sign of leaf miner damage to stop the larvae from maturing and spreading. Introduce beneficial insects, such as parasitic wasps, which prey on leaf miner larvae.


Downy Mildew:
This fungal disease appears as yellow patches on the upper surfaces of leaves and a white, cottony growth on the undersides.

Ensure proper spacing between plants to improve air circulation—water plants at the base early in the day to minimize leaf wetness.

To reduce the spread, remove and destroy infected plants. Then, following the product instructions, apply fungicides registered for use on spinach and safe for edible plants.


Anthracnose:
Caused by a fungus, this disease leads to dark, water-soaked spots on leaves, which can become sunken and develop a concentric ring pattern.

Rotate crops annually to avoid soil-borne diseases. Avoid overhead watering to keep foliage dry.

Prune out affected leaves to improve plant health. In cases of severe infection, apply a copper-based fungicide, following label directions for use on edible crops.