Luscious

Spinach

40d to harvest

Velvety, flat leaves unfurl with a lush, almost glossy sheen—Luscious spinach is prized for its tender bite and richly green, sweet-forward flavor. At about 40 days, the foliage forms an inviting rosette of broad, smooth blades that stay pleasantly supple for fresh use and quick sautéing, as well as silky blends for sauces. Grow it for salads that feel garden-fresh and for pan-ready greens that turn fragrant without losing their delicate texture.

Crop Dates

Milestone	Date
Start Indoors	Direct Sow
Last Frost	Apr 20th
Transplant / Sow Outdoors	Apr 20th
Harvest Begins	May 30th
Harvest Ends	Oct 20th

Crop Details

Trait	Value
Days to Maturity	40
Sun Requirements	Full Sun
Growth Habit	Rosette
Support Needed	None
Planting Depth	Surface
Germination Temp (°F)	45
Min Soil Temp (°F)	40
Min Night Temp (°F)	28
Harden Off (days)	Not Required

Frequently Asked Questions

What pest or disease commonly affects Spinacia oleracea (spinach), and how can I control it at home?

Spinach is especially prone to downy mildew (often appearing as pale yellow patches on top with gray-purple growth on the underside). Remove and destroy infected leaves immediately, improve airflow by thinning plants, and avoid overhead watering so foliage stays dry; if needed, use a labeled copper-based fungicide and follow the product directions closely. Keep an eye on cool, humid weather spells because downy mildew escalates quickly then.

How often should I water Spinacia oleracea during the main growing phase (around the first 3–5 weeks)?

During active leaf production, keep the top 1 inch of soil consistently moist—about 1 inch of water per week total, adjusted for rainfall and heat. Aim for deep, slow watering rather than frequent sprinkles, and water early in the day so leaves dry quickly. If leaves start to look limp or growth slows, water promptly; if the soil stays soggy, you risk disease and poor growth.

How do I tell when Spinacia oleracea is ready to harvest?

Harvest when leaves are fully sized for your preferred cut stage: baby leaves can be taken once they’re about 2–3 inches long, and full-size heads of leaves should be thick and dark green. You can start picking around 35–40 days after sowing, taking outer leaves first to encourage continued growth. If the center plants “bolt” (rapidly shoots upward with a flowering stem), harvest immediately for best eating quality.