About
If left to flower, the yellow-green flowers are inconspicuous and around 3mm. Spinach is a leafy green annual herb approximately 30cm tall, producing generous harvests of deep-green, crinkled, oval to triangular leaves with a beautiful rich, savoury flavour. The leaves vary in size and flavour, and can be eaten raw or cooked.
About the genus
Spinacia are annual or biennial herbaceous plants, usually dioecious, with upright stems and smooth leaves that are ovate or triangular. Edible species are cultivated for their leaves (spinach)
Growing conditions
SunlightFull sun, Partial shade
Soil typeChalk, Clay, Loam, Sand
Soil pHAcid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil moistureMoist but well-drained
AspectSouth-facing, East-facing, West-facing
ExposureSheltered
UK hardinessH4
Plant details
Plant typeAnnual Biennial
HabitClump forming
FoliageDeciduous
Height0.1-0.5 metres
Spread0.1-0.5 metres
Time to full height1 year
Suggested usesPatio and container plants
Native toCentral and Western Asia
Care notes
CultivationDoes best on fertile soil rich in organic matter with a steady moisture supply. Winter crops need a sunny position, summer crops benefit from a little shade. Sow from February (under biodegradable fleece or cloches) to the end of May. See spinach cultivation
PruningNo pruning required
PropagationPropagate by seed. See sowing vegetable seeds
Pest resistanceGenerally pest-free but may be susceptible to damage by slugs and pigeons
Disease resistanceMay be susceptible to spinach downy mildew