spinach
Also known as: common garden spinach; winter spinach
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. If left to flower, the yellow-green flowers are inconspicuous and around 3mm
Scientific classification
- Species
- spinach (Spinacia oleracea)
- Genus
- Spinacia
- Family
- Amaranthaceae
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- Toxicity
- Annual Biennial
- Plant type
- 0.1-0.5 metres
- Height
- 0.1-0.5 metres
- Spread
- Deciduous
- Foliage
- Clump forming
- Habit
- Spring · Summer · Autumn · Winter
- Season of interest
- Full sun · Partial shade
- Sunlight
- 10 – 20 °C
- Ideal temperature
spinach pictures
Distribution of spinach
Distribution map
Central and Western Asia
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Culture
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Toxicity
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Quick identification of spinach
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spinach care guide
- Moderate regular watering, allowing brief slight drying between soakings
- Watering
- Full sun · Partial shade
- Sunlight
- 10 – 20 °C
- Ideal temperature
Watering
Moderate regular watering, allowing brief slight drying between soakings
Fertilizing
FertilizingBalanced perennial feed every four weeks from spring through summer
Pruning
PruningNo pruning required
Propagation
PropagationPropagate by seed. See sowing vegetable seeds
Growing
GrowingDoes 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 fleece or cloches) to the end of May. See spinach cultivation
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Common pests and diseases
Diseases
May be susceptible to spinach downy mildew
Pests
Generally pest-free but may be susceptible to damage by slugs and pigeons
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