Spinach seedlings
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When to Plant Spinach for Spring, Fall, and Winter Gardens

ByStephen Albert

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Spinach is a cool-season green that thrives when planted in the right season. By timing your planting for spring, fall, or even winter, you can enjoy tender, flavorful leaves for much of the year.

Spinach seedlings
Spinach seedlings

Spring Planting

Plant spinach in early spring as soon as the soil can be worked. Ideal soil temperature for germination is 45°F to 68°F. In most regions, sow seeds 4–6 weeks before the average last frost date. Cover seeds lightly with soil and keep evenly moist. Early planting ensures spinach matures before warm weather causes bolting.

Fall Planting

For fall harvests, plant spinach in late summer to early fall—6–8 weeks before your first expected frost. Fall-grown spinach often tastes sweeter as cool nights enhance flavor. Mulching around plants helps moderate soil temperature and protect roots.

Winter Planting

In mild climates or with protection such as cold frames, hoop houses, or row covers, you can plant spinach in late fall for winter harvests. Choose cold-hardy varieties like ‘Bloomsdale’ or ‘Giant Winter.’ In very cold zones, fall-planted spinach can overwinter under cover and resume growth in early spring.

Tips for Success

  • Spinach prefers well-drained, fertile soil with a pH between 6.5 and 7.5.
  • Keep soil consistently moist, especially during germination.
  • Harvest outer leaves first to encourage continued growth.

With careful timing, spinach can be one of the earliest greens on your spring table and one of the last in your winter garden.

Spinach Planting Calendar by USDA Hardiness Zone

USDA ZoneSpring PlantingFall PlantingWinter Planting
3–4Mid April – Early MayEarly August – Late AugustNot recommended (too cold)
5Early April – Mid AprilEarly August – Early SeptemberLate September under cover
6Late March – Early AprilMid August – Mid SeptemberMid–Late September under cover
7Mid March – Late MarchEarly September – Late SeptemberOctober under cover
8Early March – Mid MarchMid September – Early OctoberOctober – November under cover
9Late February – Early MarchLate September – Mid OctoberNovember – December under cover
10–11January – FebruaryOctober – NovemberDecember – January

Notes:

For winter crops, use cold frames, hoop houses, or row covers; choose cold-hardy varieties like ‘Bloomsdale Long Standing.’

For spring crops, sow seeds as soon as soil is workable and temperatures are cool.

For fall crops, time planting so spinach matures in cool weather.

Spinach Growing Hub

🌱 Start here:  The Ultimate Spinach Growing Guide: From Seed to Harvest

🌿 Planting & Seasonal Growing

💧 Care & Maintenance

🐛 Pests & Diseases

🧺 Harvest & Storage

🍽️ Spinach in the Kitchen

🌱 Varieties & Seed Saving

Stephen Albert is a horticulturist, master gardener, and certified nurseryman who has taught at the University of California for more than 25 years. He holds graduate degrees from the University of California and the University of Iowa. His books include Vegetable Garden Grower’s Guide, Vegetable Garden Almanac & Planner, Tomato Grower’s Answer Book, and Kitchen Garden Grower’s Guide. His Vegetable Garden Grower’s Masterclass is available online. Harvesttotable.com has more than 10 million visitors each year.

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