You can propagate spinach, but the methods and outcomes differ significantly from many other garden vegetables. While new growth is possible from kitchen scraps, this typically yields only a small, temporary harvest. For consistent and abundant production, growing spinach directly from seed is the most effective and recommended method.
Understanding Spinach Growth Habits
Spinach is primarily cultivated as an annual plant, completing its life cycle from seed to flower within a single growing season. This leafy green thrives in cooler temperatures, ideally between 35°F and 75°F (1°C and 23°C). Spinach tends to “bolt,” or go to seed, when exposed to warm weather or longer daylight hours, typically exceeding 14 hours. Bolting causes the plant to send up a central stalk, produce flowers, and its leaves often become bitter and less palatable.
Regrowing Spinach from Scraps
Regrowing spinach from kitchen scraps is a popular experiment, often attempted by placing the cut base of a spinach bunch in water. To try this, select a spinach base with a small portion of the stem and root system attached. Place the base in a shallow dish with about an inch of water, ensuring the cut end is submerged. Position the dish in a brightly lit area, such as a windowsill, and change the water every few days to prevent rot.
Within one to two weeks, new leaves may emerge from the center of the base, and sometimes new roots will develop. Once new growth is visible, transfer the base to a pot filled with well-draining potting mix, burying the root section while leaving the crown exposed. This method typically results in only a limited flush of leaves before the plant exhausts its stored energy and bolts. It provides a small, temporary yield rather than a new, self-sustaining plant.
Growing Spinach from Seed
Spinach seeds can be sown directly into the garden as soon as the soil is workable in early spring, typically two to three weeks before the last expected frost. For continuous yields, sow seeds every few weeks during the cool season. Plant seeds about 0.5 inches (1.25 cm) deep and space them 1 to 3 inches (2.5 to 7.5 cm) apart in rows 12 to 18 inches (30 to 45 cm) apart.
Alternatively, start spinach seeds indoors about six weeks before the last frost to get a head start. However, spinach seedlings are sensitive to transplanting, so direct sowing is often preferred. Keep the soil consistently moist during germination, which usually occurs within 5 to 10 days at soil temperatures between 40°F and 75°F (4°C and 24°C). Once seedlings have developed a few true leaves, thin them to a final spacing of 3 to 6 inches (7.5 to 15 cm) between plants, allowing ample room for mature growth.
Caring for Your Spinach Plants
Proper care ensures healthy spinach growth and helps prolong the harvest period. Spinach plants require consistent moisture; water regularly to keep the soil evenly moist but not waterlogged. Aim for 1 to 1.5 inches (2.5 to 3.8 cm) of water per week, adjusting for rainfall. Spinach thrives in full sun but tolerates partial shade, especially in warmer climates where afternoon shade can help delay bolting.
Monitor plants for pests like aphids, which can be managed by hosing them off with water. Slugs can also be an issue in moist conditions. Harvest spinach leaves when they reach a usable size, typically 6 to 10 weeks after sowing, by cutting the outer leaves to encourage continuous production from the plant’s center.