Spinach Spinacia oleracea
Spinach (Spinacia oleracea) is an annual vegetable in the Amaranthaceae family. It grows 15–30 cm (6–12 in) tall and 15–25 cm (6–10 in) wide, wants part sun to part shade and moderate water, and is hardy to about -6 °C (21 °F). Space plants about 15 cm (6 in) apart.
Plan Spinach in your garden →
Free. Draw your beds, then watch it grow through the year in 2D and 3D.
Spinach at a glance
| Type | Annual vegetable |
|---|---|
| Family | Amaranthaceae |
| Mature height | 15–30 cm (6–12 in) |
| Mature spread | 15–25 cm (6–10 in) |
| Spacing | 15 cm (6 in) centre to centre |
| Sun | Part sun to part shade, at least 4 h of direct sun a day |
| Water | Moderate; drought tolerance none, waterlogging tolerance none |
| Cold hardiness | About -6 °C (21 °F) once established (roughly USDA zone 9) |
| Heat stress | Likely above about 24 °C (75 °F) |
| Days to maturity | About 50 days from planting |
| Wind tolerance | Low |
| Pollinator value | None |
| Edible | Yes: leaves |
| Common in gardens of | 🇺🇸 United States, 🇬🇧 United Kingdom, 🇨🇳 China, 🇯🇵 Japan, 🇩🇪 Germany, 🇷🇺 Russia, 🇫🇷 France, 🇳🇴 Norway, 🇿🇦 South Africa, 🇧🇷 Brazil, 🇵🇪 Peru, 🇲🇽 Mexico, 🇦🇺 Australia, 🇮🇳 India |
Is Spinach toxic?
- People: not known to be toxic
- Cats: not known to be toxic
- Dogs: not known to be toxic
Spinach is non-toxic to people and pets, though high in oxalates.
If a child or pet may have eaten part of a plant, call a poison centre or vet straight away.
Companion planting: what to grow with Spinach
No well-documented helpful pairing. Group it with plants that like part sun to part shade and moderate water.
Questions about Spinach
- How far apart should I plant Spinach?
- About 15 cm (6 in) apart, centre to centre. A mature plant spreads 15–25 cm (6–10 in).
- Does Spinach need full sun?
- Part sun to part shade: at least 4 hours of direct sun a day.
- How much water does Spinach need?
- Moderate water. Drought tolerance is none and waterlogging tolerance none.
- How cold-hardy is Spinach?
- It tolerates about -6 °C (21 °F) once established, roughly USDA zone 9. As an annual it is usually planted out after the last frost.
- Is Spinach poisonous to cats and dogs?
- For cats it is not known to be toxic; for dogs not known to be toxic; for people not known to be toxic. Spinach is non-toxic to people and pets, though high in oxalates.
- What grows well with Spinach?
- There is no well-documented companion pairing for Spinach. Group it with plants that like the same sun (part sun to part shade) and water (moderate).
Sources and evidence
Evidence grade C (C: plausible, mixed evidence).
- ASPCA Toxic and Non-Toxic Plant List, ASPCA
- FAO Irrigation and Drainage Paper 56 — Crop Evapotranspiration, FAO
- RHS Plant Finder, Royal Horticultural Society
- University extension gardening guides (general), Various land-grant university extensions
Notes and assumptions
- Typical garden-cultivar values; varieties differ.
- Bolts in long, hot days.
Reference values for planning, not horticultural, veterinary or medical advice. Varieties, soils and local climates differ: check with a local nursery or extension service.
Related plants
- Swiss chard Beta vulgaris subsp. vulgaris (Cicla)
- Beetroot Beta vulgaris subsp. vulgaris
- Amaranth (leaf, callaloo) Amaranthus tricolor
- Quinoa Chenopodium quinoa
- Love-lies-bleeding (kiwicha) Amaranthus caudatus
- Epazote Dysphania ambrosioides
- Celosia (cockscomb) Celosia argentea
- Globe amaranth Gomphrena globosa