Catalina

Spinach

Zone 10a Save Garden

🌱 40d to harvest Rosette

Tender, velvety leaves unfurl with a rich, spinach-green glow and a sweet, clean flavor that feels almost buttery in the mouth. C…

Crop Dates

Milestone	Date
Start Indoors	Dec 19th
Last Frost	Jan 16th
Transplant / Sow Outdoors	Jan 16th
Harvest Begins	Feb 25th
Harvest Ends	Dec 19th

Crop Details

Trait	Value
Days to Maturity	40
Sun Requirements	Part Sun
Growth Habit	Rosette
Support Needed	None
Planting Depth	Normal
Germination Temp (°F)	70
Min Soil Temp (°F)	40
Min Night Temp (°F)	30
Harden Off (days)	5

Recommended Companions

Black Spanish Radish

Korean Radish (Mu) Radish

California Early Onion

Rat's Tail Radish

Killarney Red Garlic

Parade Onion

Frequently Asked Questions

What pest or disease commonly affects Spinacia oleracea (spinach/Catalina) and what should I do?

Watch for downy mildew (often starts as pale-yellow spots on the upper leaf surface with fuzzy gray growth underneath) and leaf miners. Remove and destroy infected leaves immediately and avoid overhead watering so foliage stays dry. If leaf miners show up, use row cover over the beds to block adult flies and remove heavily mined leaves early to slow spread.

How often should I water Catalina spinach during its main growing phase, and what soil moisture level is ideal?

During the 3–4 weeks of active leaf growth, keep the bed consistently moist but never soggy—aim for soil that feels evenly damp 1–2 inches down. In typical home-garden conditions, this is about 1 inch of water per week total (split into 2–3 lighter waterings if it’s hot or windy). If leaves wilt between waterings, water promptly; if the soil stays wet or crusted, reduce frequency to prevent disease.

How can I tell when Catalina spinach (Spinacia oleracea) is ready to harvest?

Harvest at about 35–45 days when leaves are firm, fully expanded, and about 4–6 inches long for baby leaves or larger for bunching. Pick in the morning and remove outer leaves first to keep the plant producing new growth. If you see flower stalks starting or leaves suddenly become smaller and tougher, harvest immediately since bolting reduces leaf quality.

Tender, velvety leaves unfurl with a rich, spinach-green glow and a sweet, clean flavor that feels almost buttery in the mouth. Catalina forms an upright, compact rosette with crisp, succulent texture—ideal for quick harvests at peak tenderness. Grow it for fresh salads, bright sautés, and smooth, vibrant sauces where its color stays beautifully true.

Sowing Tips

Transplant Conditions

Wait until soil reaches 40°F and nights stay above 30°F before moving outdoors. Harden off for 5 days first.

Expert Note

For the most uniform heads/leaf size and least bolting, keep plants evenly watered and harvest consistently as soon as leaves are usable.