Overview
Spinacia oleracea spinosa is a clump forming annual biennial in the genus Spinacia, part of the Amaranthaceae family, with deciduous foliage. Spinacia oleracea spinosa grows best in full sun and partial shade, and tolerates most soils and any pH. Its UK hardiness is rated H4. Suggested uses include patio and container plants.
About
Spinacia oleracea spinosa, known as prickly-seeded spinach, is a clump-forming annual or biennial herbaceous plant in the Amaranthaceae family. It features deciduous foliage and thrives in fertile, moist soil with full sun or partial shade, ideally in sheltered, south-, east-, or west-facing positions. Suitable for chalk, clay, loam, or sand soils across a range of pH levels, this cultivar is hardy in the UK (H4) and is typically grown for its edible leaves during summer and autumn. It is well suited to patio and container planting and is propagated by seed.
Growing conditions
Best soil and position for Spinacia
- Sunlight
- Full sun, Partial shade
- Soil type
- Chalk, Clay, Loam, Sand
- Soil pH
- Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
- Soil moisture
- Moist but well-drained
- Aspect
- South-facing, East-facing, West-facing
- Exposure
- Sheltered
- UK hardiness
- H4
Plant details
Spinacia oleracea spinosa size, habit and characteristics
- Plant type
- Annual Biennial
- Habit
- Clump forming
- Foliage
- Deciduous
- Suggested uses
- Patio and container plants
Care notes
Pruning and caring for Spinacia oleracea spinosa
- Propagation
- Seed
- Pest resistance
- Generally pest-free but may be susceptible to damage by slugs and pigeons
- Disease resistance
- May be susceptible to spinach downy mildew
Frequently asked questions
Where is the best place to plant Spinacia oleracea spinosa?
Spinacia oleracea spinosa prefers full sun and partial shade. It suits sheltered positions.
What soil does Spinacia oleracea spinosa need?
Spinacia oleracea spinosa is adaptable and grows happily in most soil types, including chalk, clay, loam and sand. It is happy in soil of any pH. Aim for soil that stays moist but well-drained.
Is Spinacia oleracea spinosa hardy in the UK?
Spinacia oleracea spinosa has an RHS hardiness rating of H4, meaning it is hardy through an average UK winter, tolerating -10 to -5°C.
How do I propagate Spinacia oleracea spinosa?
Seed.
More in the Spinacia genus
- Spinacia oleracea '17174 Spz'PBRspinach '17174 Spz'
- Spinacia oleracea '19183 Spz'PBRspinach '19183 Spz'
- Spinacia oleracea 'Antalia'spinach 'Antalia'
- Spinacia oleracea 'Bahamas'spinach 'Bahamas'
- Spinacia oleracea 'Bordeaux'spinach 'Bordeaux'
- Spinacia oleracea 'Calisteo'spinach 'Calisteo'
- Spinacia oleracea 'Eagle'PBRspinach 'Eagle'
- Spinacia oleracea 'El Tajin'PBRspinach 'El Tajin'