Growing spinach from seed can be challenging for beginners, but it’s actually super easy! The key is knowing how and when to do it. So, in this post I will show you everything you need to know about how to grow spinach seeds, step by step.
Spinach is a fast, low maintenance vegetable that is actually very easy to grow from seed. But timing is everything!
The biggest mistake newbies make is sowing the seeds too late, only to watch the plants bolt right away. Another common mistake is using the wrong method for starting spinach seeds.
Don’t worry, I will break it all down, and make it simple for you! In this detailed guide, I’m going to cover everything from the best planting method, to when to start, and give you detailed sowing instructions.
I’ll also talk about germination time, seedling identification and care, fixing common problems, answer your FAQs, and much more! In the end, you’ll know everything about successfully growing spinach from seed.
Growing Spinach From Seed
If you have ever tried starting spinach from seed, then you probably know first hand just how tricky it can be.
But don’t worry, once you learn the secrets for success, you’ll have a garden full of these yummy greens!
The best part is that these instructions work no matter what type of spinach seeds you want to grow. Woohoo!
Types Of Spinach Seeds To Grow
You may be surprised to learn that there are several varieties of spinach seeds that you could grow.
Some have slightly different flavors and textures, while others are slow bolting, or have larger leaves.
A few of my personal favorite varieties are Bloomsdale (bolt-resistant), Monstrueux Viroflay (large leaves), Lavewa (heat tolerant), Butterflay (large leaves), and Matador (slow to bolt).
Recommended Method For Sowing Spinach Seeds
Spinach doesn’t like to be transplanted, and doing so can trigger it to bolt prematurely. So, it’s best to direct sow the seeds, rather than starting them indoors or winter sowing them.
In fact, I don’t even recommend trying to start them indoors – it’s a recipe for failure.
It’s actually really nice, because that means you don’t have to worry about buying any equipment or caring for the seedlings!
Related Post: 3 Seed Starting Methods That Every Gardener Should Try
Planting Spinach Seeds
It’s very important to plant spinach seeds using the best method, and at the right time. In this section, I’ll talk about how to get it right every time.
When To Plant Spinach Seeds
Like I mentioned above, growing spinach from seed is all about timing. The key to success is planting it during the cooler months of the year.
If you plant them too late, the seeds may not germinate because it’s too warm. And even if they do end up germinating, the heat will trigger the plants to bolt right away.
Since it prefers the cold, plant spinach seeds directly into the garden 4-6 weeks before your average last frost date, or as soon as your soil is workable in early spring.
You could also plant the seeds in late summer for a fall harvest, since it’s such a fast crop. It is cold hardy, so it won’t be killed off by spring or fall frosts.
If you live in a warmer climate with mild winters, sow the seeds once the weather cools down in the fall, and enjoy it through the winter.
You can stagger your harvests by sowing the seeds intermittently throughout the spring and/or fall, so the plants mature at different times.
Preparing Spinach Seeds For Planting
There’s nothing fancy you need to do before planting spinach seeds, no soaking nicking, or cold stratification is necessary.
If you want to try it, soaking spinach seeds before planting can help to speed up germination time.
But, since you’ll be sowing them directly into your garden, pre-soaking is not necessary.
Related Post: How To Grow Seeds: The Ultimate Seed Starting Guide
Spinach Germination Time
When planted in the right soil, spinach seeds germinate very quickly. It only takes about 5-10 days for the seedlings to start emerging.
If the soil it too warm or too wet, it will inhibit germination. So, if your spinach seeds aren’t growing, then it could be too warm or soggy for them.
What Do Spinach Seedlings Look Like?
When they first pop out of the soil, baby spinach seedlings will have two long, narrow leaves. These are called the “seed leaves”. All of the ones that form after that are called “true leaves”.
The true leaves look like tiny spinach leaves, and it only takes a couple of days for those to start forming after the seed leaves unfurl.
How To Care For Spinach Seedlings
Since it’s best to direct sow them, you don’t need to worry too much about caring for the seedlings. Woohoo!
But below are a few tips to get them off on the right foot, you can read my complete care guide here.
Water
One of the reasons it’s so low maintenance is that, since it’s usually cool and wet in the spring, I rarely need to worry about watering my spinach plants.
Spinach likes a lot of water, but it doesn’t like wet or saturated soil. Make sure to sow the seeds in a spot in your garden that has fast draining soil, and never allow it to dry out completely.
Fertilizer
I like to top-dress my soil with a granular fertilizer before I plant the seeds to give them the extra nutrients they need.
As soon as spinach seedlings begin growing their first true leaves, you can start using liquid fertilizer on them. You can buy compost tea concentrate, or get tea bags and brew your own from scratch.
Spinach seedlings also love being fed with fish emulsion or liquid kelp, which are two of my favorites to use in my garden.
Thinning Spinach Seedlings
If you planted more than one seed per hole, or sowed them too close together, then you’ll need to thin the seedlings.
Once they get to be about 2″ tall with a few true leaves, thin them out so they are about 4-6″ apart. Simply choose the healthiest one to keep, and then remove the rest.
Don’t pull them out though, or you could damage the shallow roots of the one you want to keep. Instead, cut them off at the base using a sharp pair of micro-tip snips or bonsai shears.
How Long From Seed To Harvest
As I’ve already mentioned a few times, spinach if very fast. So it will be one of the first things you harvest from your garden in the spring.
It takes about 45 days to grow spinach from seed to harvest. Some of the leaves may be large enough to pick before then, which is great.
But make sure you don’t remove all of the leaves when you harvest. They need to have some of them in order to stay alive and keep producing.
Related Post: Freezing Spinach With Or Without Blanching
Troubleshooting Common Problems
There’s nothing worse than taking the time to plant all those seeds, only to have problems that you don’t know how to fix.
So, below I will list a couple of the most common problems you may have when growing spinach seeds, and how to fix them…
Spinach Seeds Not Germinating
If your seeds never germinated, then it was either too wet, too warm, or the seeds were old, and no longer viable.
Always plant fresh spinach seeds in well draining, cool soil for best results.
Seedlings Aren’t Growing
If your seedlings aren’t growing any larger, it could be because it’s too shady, the soil is either too wet or dry, or the weather is too hot for them.
Keep the soil evenly moist, and try feeding them to see if that helps to trigger new growth. Otherwise, next time adjust your placement and/or planting schedule.
Spinach Seedlings Bolting
There are two things that trigger spinach seedlings to bolt right away. They were either transplanted, or the temperature is too hot.
To avoid this next time, never transplant the seedlings, and always either plant the seeds in very early spring, or in the fall for a winter crop.
FAQS About Growing Spinach Seeds
In this section, I will answer some of the most frequently asked questions about growing spinach from seed. If you have a question that you can’t find the answer to, ask it in the comments below.
How many spinach seeds per hole?
How many spinach seeds you plant per hole depends on their age. If they’re brand new, then you only need to plant one per hole. Otherwise, if they are old or have a low viability rate, then sow 2-3 seeds per hole.
How deep do you plant spinach seeds?
The general rule of thumb is to plant a seed twice as deep as it is wide. So, spinach seeds should be planted about 1/2″ deep.
What is the best temperature to grow spinach seeds?
The best temperature to grow spinach seeds is between 50-70°F. They germinate more successfully when the soil is cool.
How long does it take to grow spinach from seeds?
On average, it takes about 45 days to grow spinach seeds from planting to harvest time. Some varieties are faster than others, so check the packet for exact timing.
Do spinach seeds need light to germinate?
No, spinach seeds do not need light to germinate.
Should spinach seeds be soaked before planting?
Soaking spinach seeds before planting is optional. It can help to speed up germination, but it’s not necessary.
Why are my spinach seedlings dying?
The most common reasons why spinach seedlings die is improper watering (either too much or not enough), too much sun and heat, transplanting, or fertilizer burn.
They do best in cold weather and will start to die as soon as it gets hot, so plant them as early as possible.
They prefer the shade rather than full sun, and like evenly moist soil – never soggy or completely dried out.
Also, sow the seeds directly into the ground, because the seedlings do not transplant well.
How do you grow spinach seeds indoors?
I do not recommend growing spinach seeds indoors. Transplanting the seedlings will trigger them to bolt. Instead, you should direct sow them right into your garden.
Growing spinach from seed can be tricky if you’ve never tried it before. Just remember, timing is everything. The secret to success is planting spinach seeds as soon as you possibly can, before the weather starts to warm up in the spring.
If you want to learn more about growing your garden from seeds using any method you want, check out my online Seed Starting Course! It’s a comprehensive online course that you can take at your own pace (and from anywhere in the world!), with lifetime access, and step-by-step guidance! Sign up and get started today!
Or do you just need a refresher or quick-start guide to get going? Then my Starting Seeds Indoors eBook is just what you need!
More Posts About Growing Seeds
- How To Plant & Grow Lettuce From Seed
- How To Grow Perfect Carrots From Seed
- How To Plant & Grow Radishes From Seed
Share you tips for growing spinach from seed in the comments section below!
Steps For Planting Spinach Seeds
It’s easy to plant spinach seeds indoors or outside. Simply follow these step-by-step instructions.
How To Plant Spinach Seeds
Probably the main thing that makes spinach seeds so easy to grow is the fact that you don't need any equipment at all. Here are the step-by-step instructions for planting spinach seeds.
Materials
- Spinach seeds
- Water
Instructions
- Prepare the soil - Loosen up the soil, and remove any weeds, or large rocks and sticks. Amend poor soil with compost or worm castings, and then mix an organic granular fertilizer into it before sowing the seeds.
- Figure out the spacing - You can either space the seeds 2" apart, and then thin them later. Or space them 4-6" apart if you don't want to thin the seedlings.
- Plant the seeds - Spinach seeds should be planted 1/2" deep. If you're using fresh seeds, then you only need to plant one per hole. Otherwise, if they are old, then plant 2-3 per hole. You can either lay the seeds on top of the soil, and gently push them down, or make holes first and drop them in.
- Cover the seeds - Once you're done sowing the seeds, cover them with soil, and gently press it down. Don't pack it tight, but just enough so that the soil will come in contact with the seeds.
- Water - Use a low setting on your garden hose so you don't displace the seeds, then water the bed until the soil is evenly moist. Don't overdo it though, the soil should not be completely saturated or soggy.
Marie says
I planted mixed green lettuce and spinach. They both started to germinate, but I was away from home for two weeks, so they did not get watered. Ugh. I have been watering them since then but have seen no sprouts. Do I need to dig up and replant new seeds or is there still hope?
Amy Andrychowicz says
If the seeds started to germinate before you left, and now there’s no sign of growth, then I think your tiny spinach seedlings have probably died. If any of the seeds didn’t start to germinate, then there’s still hope. But, if you saw green before, and now you don’t, then I think it’s best to start over with new seeds.
Marie says
Amy, your information is very helpful and much appreciated. One more question: I plan to start over with new seeds, so do I need to dig up the old seeds or can I use the same planter box and soil and just plant new seeds?
Amy Andrychowicz says
I would just plant the new seeds. My guess is that you probably won’t even find the old ones if you tried digging them up.
Sandra says
hi Amy,
I am growing spinach seed under lights in my basement this year here in St. Paul. It is my first time and everything was looking good until the leaves are starting to turn dark. Is this a natural progression from the bright green to the dark green? They seem a little red. The red isn’t in the veins which indicates phosphorous but I’m the meat out surface. Any helpful advice?
Amy Andrychowicz says
It might just be the variety of spinach that you planted. Some types have darker green leaves than others, and there are varieties that have red veins or redish colored leaves. Check the seed packet to see what the mature plant looks like, and give it a quick read to see if it says anything about the color.
Regina says
Hi! Thanks for the super-detailed explanation, it’s really helpful for beginners like me 🙂 anyway, I would like to ask. So, my seeds have sprouted a week ago and cotyledons have appeared. I germinate them in a jar container because I want to grow them hydroponically. However, the cotyledons now are curling and I’m afraid they will just die 🙁 maybe any suggestions what I should do?
Amy Andrychowicz says
The cotyledons are curling while they’re still inside the jar, or is it after you transplanted them into your hydroponic trays? I’m thinking you mean after, so if that’s the case, I have a feeling they are suffering from the chemicals, or perhaps from transplant shock. I would wait until they have at least their first set or two of true leaves before planting them. They tend to form pretty quickly after germination, so you shouldn’t have to wait too long.
Abhishek says
What time takes red spinach to harvest its seeds after sowing????
Amy Andrychowicz says
It depends on the temperature. Spinach will bolt much faster when it’s warm than it will when it’s cold. Sometimes spinach will bolt very quickly, but if the conditions are right, it will take several weeks.
Michael says
Hola! Greetings from Morelia, Mexico!
Sooooo, for those of us who love spinach–and want to grow it–but who happen to live in Mexico, is there hope?!?! (It’s almost always sunny and always warm here.)
“Average lows” are lowest in … Nov, Dec, Jan, Feb. Mar. (the 40s)
During those same months, the “average highs” are … mid- to upper-70s.
I was thinking of planting in a container, out on my patio. I guess I pay attention the “coolest” months, plant, and cross my fingers? (They do sell spinach seeds at the store, which is odd if spinach will just bolt with the heat while still young.)
Advice?
Amy Andrychowicz says
Well, you’re lucky to have such fantastic temperatures in the winter… but I guess that does make it harder to grow cool season crops like spinach. 🙂 Yes, you should definitely stick to growing it during the coolest months of the year. And plant it in the shade to protect it from the warm afternoon temperatures. There are slow-bolting spinach varieties that may work better for you, so look for those. Good luck!
M. says
Michael,
Check into “Malibar Spinach”. It climbs & can be grown through the summer. I’ve order some seed off of ebay myself. Hope this helps.
whmddc says
What an AWESOME writeup on planting, thinning, soil, and timing. I LOVE spinach and agree — super easy, but LOVED these tips. New to me. THANK YOU! 🙂
Amy Andrychowicz says
You’re welcome! Hope you’ll grow tons of spinach from seed this year! 🙂
Erin says
I am eager to plant my spinach seeds in my garden box but i’m worried it might be too early! It’s mid-March and last frost is supposed to be in about 2 weeks (Vancouver Canada) but due to a ridiculous snowfall and unusual freezing temps recently, most of the dirt in my box is frozen solid! Only the top few inches are loose. Should I wait?
Amy Andrychowicz says
As long as the soil is workable, you can start sowing your spinach seeds. They are pretty hardy, and the last few spring frosts (and even a late snowfall) won’t hurt them. Have fun!
Marie Penela says
Can I grow spinach in a pot. If so how deep does the pot need to be?
Amy Andrychowicz says
Yes you sure can. Spinach doesn’t need a very deep pot, so any standard sized container would work fine. I like to grow mine in decorative bowls or other shallow containers to save on soil a bit, since spinach roots are shallow.
Marcela says
Great tips! I always had difficulty growing spinach until I started doing this: I pre germinate the seeds by putting them in a humid paper towel that I then put in a zip loc bag or plastic container. I then leave them 12 hours on my kitchen counter and 12 hours in the fridge for a few days until they germinate and I sow them afterwards. I have a great germination rate using that method. For a spring harvest I start them inside in February and then plant the seedlings in early March in a cold frame. I’m in zone 4 (in southern Quebec) so our spring weather is often cold, but spinach does great, it’s always the first vegetable that I’m able to harvest.
Amy Andrychowicz says
Awesome, thanks for sharing your method for germinating spinach seeds, and your growing tips!
Jeff Anderson says
I’m going to try your method. I’ve never had much success growing spinach. Is it 12 hours in the fridge, or a few days in the fridge?. I have a 4 season room where I grow romaine lettuce and cabbage family plants under lights during the winter. I’ll use the 4 season room instead of the fridge since I’m currently keeping it at 42F (6C) I’m also storing this years crop of potatoes and delicata squash in the room. We’re zone 5-6 near Milwaukee.
Jeff